11 



tion bearing them will also be satisfactory and sometimes more de- 

 sirable than the tip section for grafting, as this wood is often better 

 developed. If at the time the stocks are just starting a new growth 

 there are no branch tips suitable for scions, the upper axillary buds 

 can often be forced into condition in a week or more by cutting off 

 the tips of the branches. 



To make the graft the seedling should be cut off by a smooth 

 transverse stroke a few inches above the crown, a perpendicular slit 

 about an inch in length being cut barely through the bark on one 

 side of the upper end of the remaining stump (PL II, fig. 2). The 

 scion, which is prepared by cutting the lower end with a smooth 

 slanting surface about an inch in length having a sharp, wedge- 

 shaped point, is then forced gently down under the lips of the slit in 

 the bark of the stock. The scion should be fitted firmly into place 

 in order to have the cambium of the stock and scion in close contact 

 over as long a surface as possible. To hold the scion in place a cotton 

 string is wound firmly around the graft, commencing at the top of 

 the stock to prevent forcing the scion out of place. A waterproof 

 paper should then be wrapped around the scion and the upper end 

 of the stock and folded over the top of the scion to secure fairly uni- 

 form humidity and to prevent an excess of moisture from entering 

 and causing decay. It is important to perform the operation rapidly 

 enough to prevent any drying of the cut surfaces. 



In about three weeks the scions should have started growth. The 

 paper should then be removed, as it is injurious to the new growth, 

 and the cotton string used for binding the scion should be cut as soon 

 as the union is well formed. 



INARCHING. 



When it is planned to propagate by inarching, the seedling to be 

 used as a stock should be in a large pot (PI. Ill, fig. 2) or box. To 

 secure a good stock it is best to plant the seed in the receptacle to be 

 used rather than to attempt to transplant young seedlings. Although 

 the success of the operation does not depend so entirely as in grafting 

 upon the condition of the stock and scion, these should be as nearly 

 as possible in the same stages of growth as for grafting and the 

 seedlings should be about the same size and age as those for grafting 

 if outdoor work is practiced. For indoor work, where moisture 

 can be controlled, or in the orchard if climatic conditions are favor- 

 able, both seedling and scion need be only a few weeks old. A 

 very dry atmosphere and excessive wind, which are common in 

 practically all sections of Porto Kico during parts of the year, 

 make it impossible to use such young plants. 



Before the operation is performed the seedling should be placed 

 near the branch to be inarched, either on the ground or on a scaffold, 



