XL'RSERIES 69 



of grafting wax should be smeared over the edges of contact. 

 and the bark then tied firmly with strands of bast, as shown 

 at C in the accompanying figure. After this, the graft (excepting 

 the bud) should be covered with strips of cloth clipped in melted 

 paraffin wax, as a further preventive against the admission of air 

 and moisture between the cut surfaces of stock and scion. If un- 

 duly exposed to the sun, shade should be provided by means of 

 strips of paper tied over the bud. After union of stock and scion 

 has taken place (which should be effected in 2 or 3 weeks), the 

 bandaging may be removed, and the stock pruned back. 



Grafting-clay is a composition for covering the graft to 

 exclude air and moisture until a union of the stock and scion is 

 effected. It consists of two parts clay and one of cow-dung. 

 These ingredients should be beaten together and thoroughly mixed 

 until of the consistency of fresh putty, sometime before being 

 required. 



Grafting-wax. This is employed in grafting small or delicate 

 plants, where the use of clay is scarcely practicable, but may also be 

 applied to large plunts if desired. It is of various forms, and may 

 be purchased in boxes from seedsmen. To make grafting-wax, 

 melt slowly together one part linseed oil or tallow, one of beeswax, 

 and four of resin. For use, re-melt in a glue-pot, and when the 

 wax is of consistency to work freely, apply with a small brush. 



Nurseries. A necessary part of the equipment of a garden 

 or estate is a nursery for the propagation of plants. The essential 

 points of a good nursery are shelter from wind, a plentiful supply 

 of water, light shade, and fine, loose, well-drained soil. On an 

 estate, a sheltered valley with a stream running through, should be 

 selected as the most suitable site for the purpose. The ground 

 should be cleared of brushwood, rough stones, roots, etc., the soil 

 trenched or deeply dug, and raised into beds of uniform level. 

 The beds may be a few inches high and of any convenient size, 

 but for facility of working they should not be wider than 3 or 4 ft., 

 and an alley of 12 to 16 inches must be left between them. The 

 surface soil must be brought to a fine tilth, and freed from stones, 

 especially for seed-beds. Xo stable or farmyard manure should be 

 mixed with the soil, unless it be in a thoroughly decomposed state ; 

 alluvial or loamy soil, with some well decomposed leaf-mould and 

 fine sand added, forms the best medium for germinating seeds as 

 well as for striking cuttings, layering, etc. Temporary shade for 

 beds must be afforded. This is easily provided by fixing forked 



