Grafting 



all its nourishment from the new stock, it is 

 completely separated from the parent plant. 

 This, which is the most elementary mode of 

 grafting, is sometimes realised accidentally 

 and independently. If in a hedge there are 

 two branches in close and prolonged contact, 

 this point of contact, worn and cut by friction, 

 will end in becoming a join. Probably 

 natural occurrences of this kind first inspired 

 the idea of grafting. 



Side-grafting is advantageously employed 

 when a gap in the form of a fruit tree has to 

 be filled up. Regular distribution and sym- 

 metrical branching are desirable for the 

 satisfaction of the eye, which is always 

 unpleasantly affected by disorder ; but there 

 is another and more urgent reason for regu- 

 larity. A tree bears more fruit if its branches 

 are equally distributed, so that each may 

 receive the same share of sap, light and heat. 

 If there is anywhere a gap among the 

 branches, side-grafting will provide the means 

 of filling it up and restoring the symmetry. 

 A long twig is selected from a neighbouring 

 branch that can well spare it, and by means 

 of an incision is brought into contact with the 

 point that needs supply, which is provided 

 with a corresponding incision, and the two 



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