98 



smooth, even, sloping cut an inch or so long ; then, reversing the- 

 knife, about a quarter of an inch from the centre of this cut 

 (towards the end) a slit or tongue is made downwards. The scion 

 is then prepared (which should always contain three or four buds) 



in a like manner as the stocks, 

 at the lower end of the scion 

 a sloping cut is made down- 

 wards, and, by reversing the 

 knife, a slit or tongue is made 

 in it upwards, which should 

 correspond with tha,t in the 

 stock into which it is then 

 inserted. 



The bark of the scion and 

 the bark of the stock must be 

 placed in close contact on 

 one side; the other is im- 

 material, as soon as it heals 

 over. The union of the two, 

 scion and stock, should be 

 complete and fit firmly. The 

 grafts are then either waxed 

 over or wrapped with waxed 

 paper. 



This completes the opera- 

 tion. The earth may then be 

 banked on either side with 

 a hoe, and nothing more is 

 done until they begin to start, 

 when they require attention,, 

 especially in keeping them 

 clear of weeds and all unde- 

 sirable growth, suckers, etc.* 



A. The scion, a. The sloping cut. b. The 

 tongue, c. Show thickness of tongue. B. The 

 stock, d. The sloping cut in the stock, e. The 

 tongue. /. Shows thickness of stock from 

 the cut or tongue. C. The scion inserted, 

 ready for waxing. 



ROOT GRAFTING. 



For root grafting the seedlings of one or two years growth are 

 taken up and the best roots cut into pieces about four inches long. 

 These are taken indoors, washed free from all dirt, and grafted as 

 follows : The operation is performed in the same manner as on the 

 seedlings, out of doors as previously described. The oblique or 

 sloping cut or tongue is made in the root ; and the scion, which 

 should be three or four inches long, is likewise prepared and inserted, 

 as shown in Fig. 8. 



It is then waxed over, either with wax or waxed paper ; the 

 latter, however, is much preferred. The grafts are then put away 

 in sand until planting time, in February,* in the following manner : 

 On the floor of the propagating house or shed sand is spread out 

 from six inches to a foot deep, then the grafts are put in it, stand- 

 ing thic.kly, and covered with sand. The entire graft, to within 



* August iu Australia. 



