78 



GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 



the enlargement of the parts it encloses. We have tried 

 tow, paper, and other materials, but find this the best. 

 Having the scions, implements, and composition in readi- 

 ness, the work is performed as follows : 



Whip-Grafting on the Root. For this purpose, seed- 

 ling stocks are generally used, "one or two years old, vary- 

 ing from one fourth to three eighths of an inch in diameter. 

 The graft is always made at the collar, and, therefore, the 

 stems of the plants are cut off at that point ; the small 

 tap-roots and any cumbrous fibres are removed, leaving 

 them about four inches in length (fig. 71) ; they are then 

 washed clean, and are ready for the operation. The 

 grafter then makes a smooth, even, sloping cut, an inch 

 long, upwards on the collar of the root, 

 A ; and in the centre of this cut, he makes 

 a slit or tongue, B, downwards. The scion, 

 which should be three or four inches long 

 (fig. 72), is cut on 

 the lower end with 

 a sloping cut down- 

 wards, and similar 

 in all respects to 

 that made on the 

 stock ; a slit, or 

 tongue, is made in 

 it upwards,' B, cor- 

 responding, also, 

 with that on the 

 stock ; and they 

 are then neatly 

 fitted together, the 

 tongue of the one 

 within the other 

 (A, fig. 73), and the 

 inner barks of both placed in close and perfect contact, at 



