BOOK V. XI. 4-7 



to such a size as will fill the space given by a wedge 

 which has been thrust in, in such a way as not to 

 damage the cambium or the bark on the other side. 

 When you have got the scions ready, pull out the 5 

 wedge and immediately push down the scions into 

 the holes which you made by driving in the wedge 

 between the bark and the firm-wood. Put in the 

 scions by inserting the end where you have pared 

 them down in such a way that they stand out half-a- 

 foot or more from the tree. You will be correct in 

 inserting two grafts in one tree, or more if the trunk 

 is larger, provided that the space between them is 

 not less than four inches. In doing so take into 

 account the size of the tree and the quality of the 

 bark. When you have put in all the scions that the 6 

 tree will stand, bind the tree with elm-bark or reeds 

 or osiers ; next with well-worked clay mixed with 

 straw daub the whole of the wound and the space 

 between the grafts to the point at which the scions 

 still project at least four inches. Then put moss 

 over the clay and bind it on so that the rain may not 

 seep through. Some people, however, prefer to make 

 a place for the slips in the trunk of the tree with a 

 saw and then smooth the parts in which cuts have 

 been made with a thin surgical-knife and then fit in 

 the grafts. If the tree which you wish to engraft is 7 

 small, cut it off low down so that it projects a foot 

 and a half from the ground ; then, after cutting it 

 down, carefully smooth the wound and split the 

 stock in the middle a little way with a sharp knife, 



^^ serere SAac. 



^* sesquipedam e terra A : sequipedamen terra S : sexquipe- 

 dam e terra o : sexquipedem e terra c. 



105 



