PROPAGATION 413 



For cleft-grafts pull the wax out into wide ribbons, and cover 

 first the sides of the cleft, then the entire upper surface of the 

 stub, being especially careful to press the wax firmly around the 

 scion to prevent the stock and scions from drying out. The tips 

 of the scion may also be covered with wax. 



Waxed string can be made by dropping a ball of darning cotton 

 into the boiling wax and allowing it to cool or harden. The raffia 

 used in tying grafts may be purchased from seed stores or nursery- 

 men ; it consists of ribbonlike strips of fiber from the palm tree. 



Selection of scions. Scions are selected from bearing trees of 

 the desired variety. They may be cut at any time before the buds 

 swell in the spring, although the best time is late fall or early 

 winter. Only wood from bearing branches of the past season's 

 growth is selected, and after cutting this into lengths of from 

 8 to 12 inches, it is plainly labeled and tied into bunches of con- 

 venient size. These should then be packed in sand or sawdust, 

 and stored in a cool cellar or some other suitable place to prevent 

 them from starting into growth before grafting. 



Relation between stock and scion. The variations reported to 

 have been due to grafting are almost endless. Season, shape, 

 color, taste, growth, and almost every quality possessed by tree 

 fruit is alleged to have been changed in some degree. Yet trees 

 are planted each year, propagated by the usual methods, and the 

 expected results are obtained. 



Definite experiments carried oh by scientific men as to the effect 

 of the stock on the scion have not shown that there is any percep- 

 tible differences in tree or fruit, but more thorough study should 

 be undertaken along this line in the future. Of the effect of the 

 scion on the stock very few concern themselves, for it is of no 

 practical importance. There is, however, some definite relation 

 between certain stocks and scions. This is particularly noticeable 

 when a scion will not readily unite with the stock, or vice versa. 

 Enough experiments along this line have not been made to enable 

 us to state the relation of a particular stock to a particular scion, 

 and further study is needed before practical advice can be given. 



