OPERATION OF GRAFTING. 



357 



others, and more delicate varieties may be ingrafted upon 

 them, and partake of their strength and vigor. Thus it is, 

 that many varieties of the vine are propagated ; as the most 

 choice kinds are found to grow better upon strong robust 

 stalks. So it is with some species of the pear, peach, cher- 

 ry, etc. The wild plum stock is prefered for the insertion 

 of buds. The wild apple is also prefered for setting grafts. 



2. The peculiar qualities of some plants can be preserved 

 only by this process ; thus, for example, certain varieties of 

 the rose will become plain, if they are not budded into other 

 stalks. 



3. The fruit may be obtained much earlier, and sooner, by 

 these processes than by any other. In fact, Mr. Knight has 

 succeeded in transfering the buds of one plant to another, 

 so as to produce fruit and flowers the same season. Fruit 

 trees do not require more than three years, and they often 

 will become fruitful the second year after being grafted. 



The modes of performing these operations are various, but 

 with regard to the majority of fruit trees, it is a very simple 

 process. 



Operation of grafting. The object of the 

 operator in this case, is to cause the branch 

 or graft of one tree to unite with the stock or 

 limb of another tree. Varieties of the same 

 species are united the most readily ; genera 

 of the same natural order come next, beyond 

 which the power does not extend. Thus pears 

 work well upon pears and quinces ; upon ap- 

 ples and thorns, they will grow, but not so 

 well ; while on plums, they cannot be made to 

 grow. 



2. Whip grafting. This is a very common 



kind of grafting (Fig. 21). "It is performed 



by heading down a stock, paring one side of 



it for the space of an inch bare, and then cut- 



30* 



21. 



