54 



BUDDING AND GRAFTING 



improved varieties of apple trees, preferably of bearing age. These 

 are of the last season's growth and bear shoot buds rather than 

 fruit buds. 



The roots may be cut in pieces about four to six inches in length 

 or they may be left entire. Of course the top of the seedling is cut 

 off and discarded. Grafting of the scion and stock is then per- 

 formed as already described. Bundles of root grafts, containing 

 from twenty-five to fifty each are tied securely around the point 

 of union. These are labeled with wooden labels written in black 

 lead pencil. If painted labels are used the writing will not be 

 obliterated by mold or discoloration of the wood. The labels should 

 indicate the variety of the scion, the number in the bundle and 



the date of the work. The 

 scions and roots should be 

 trimmed somewhat evenly at 

 the top to make a neat bundle. 

 Three, four, or more buds 

 should remain on each graft. 

 The young root grafts 

 should be stored in the same 

 manner as the scion, in wet 

 sawdust, in well drained boxes 

 in a cool cellar or storehouse. 

 In warm climates they are 

 sometimes stored on the north 

 sides of buildings or merely 

 put into the ground until 

 planting time. 



Setting Out Grafts. — In the middle or late spring, grafts are 

 set in rows far enough apart to allow of cultivation. An opening is 

 made with a spade for each graft (Fig. 37.) If the trees are eight 

 to twelve inches apart and the rows three and a half feet apart, 

 thorough tillage can be given them through the growing season. 

 After one or two years growth in the nursery, they are ready to be 

 transplanted to the orchard. Trees may be more suitably shaped 

 to suit the ideals of the orchardist if they are transplanted at the 

 end of one year's growth. The period is counted from the time the 

 young root grafts are set in the nursery. 



The depth of setting a young graft is important. Only one or 

 two buds should be left to show above ground. The soil should be 

 well firmed with the foot around each graft, but care must be exer- 



Fig. 37. — Root graf tB and cuttings are rapidly 

 Bet out by thrusting them back of a spade which 

 makes a narrow opening. (N. J. Station.) 



