20 REPORT ON THE No. 33 



cannot heal over before rot begins. Where it is necessary to remove large limbs, the 

 wounds should be covered with grafting wax or thick lead paint to prevent the entrance 

 of spores which cause decay. 



GEAFTING. 



Grafting is the operation of inserting a scion into a stock, usually for the object 

 of changing the variety of fruit produced. Trees bearing undesirable fruit may be top- 

 grafted with some valuable variety. Many choice half-hardy varieties may be success- 

 fully grown by top-working on some hardy stock. Especially desirable characteristics 

 in any variety may be perpetuated by grafting. Individuality is quite as marked in 

 plants as in animals. A certain tree may possess some desirable quality, and this may 

 be preserved and perhaps improved upon by selection. It is advisable when cutting 

 scions to select from those trees which have the desirable characteristics most strongly 

 marked. Nurserymen, as a rule, do not pay sufficient attention to the source from 

 which they secure their scions. The individual orchardist may greatly improve his 

 plantation by top-grafting with scions from a tree having the desired qualities most 

 strongly marked. 



Grafting is usually performed in the spring. It is essential that the cambium layer 

 of the scion and stock be in contact on at least one side. Prom this mucilaginous layer, 

 lying between the wood and the bark, the new cells are formed which in time unite 

 the parts and cover the wound. It is necessary to cover the wounds made in outdoor 

 grafting to prevent the entrance of rot-producing spores. For this purpose wax is 

 generally used. 



A good grafting wax may be made by melting together four pounds resin, two 

 pounds beeswax, and one pound tallow. Cool by pouring into a tub of water. Then 

 work up into bars or balls which may be kept in any cool place until required. To 

 economize wax, cloth is sometimes dipped into the hot wax, making wax-cloth. This 

 is more difficult to use than pure wax. The wax may be melted and carried in a glue 

 pot and applied with a brush, or, as is more commonly done, it may be kept in water 

 warm enough to keep the wax pliable so it may be readily applied by hand. It is well 

 to keep the hands greased to prevent the wax from adhering to the fingers. 



There are two common methods of top-grafting: (1) Whip or tongue grafting which 

 is practised upon small branches and young trees; (2) Cleft grafting, which is usually 

 performed on branches from one-half to two inches in diameter. 



In whip grafting the stock is cut with a bevel about one inch long, and the scion 

 cut to fit that bevel. Both bevels are cut into slightly and the tongue of one fitted into 

 the notch of the other. The cambium layers must be in contact on at least one side. 

 After the scion is set the wound should be covered with wax or similar substance to 

 exclude the air. 



Large trees should not be entirely changed over in one year. The first year select 

 the main branches; the second year part of the remainder, and finish the third year. 

 In this way much of the annoyance caused by the growth of water sprouts is avoided. 



When cutting off large branches for cleft grafting it is wise to cut twice, making 

 the first cut a few inches above the position chosen for the scion. Then cut off the 

 stub at the desired point, and avoid the danger of tearing the bark. With a chisel or 

 grafting iron split the branch just far enough to admit the scions. Too deep a split 

 weakens the stock, and the scions will not be held sufficiently firm. It is well to avoid 

 grafting two horizontal limbs, one directly above the other. The tendency of new 

 growth is upward, and the growths from the lower one will interfere with the upper. 

 In branches, other than those growing perfectly upright, the split should be made 

 parallel to, rather than at right angles to the ground. 



The scion should be made wedge-shaped, with bevel about one inch long, starting 

 at each side just at the base of a bud. Make the scion three buds long, cutting off 

 just above the third bud. It should be cut a little thicker on the side next to the bud, 

 so that the stock may pinch tightly on that side to insure a close contact of the cam- 

 bium layers. 



