58 BUDDING AND GRAFTING 



stock. If a trough-shaped cut is made in the side of the stock then 

 the scion is cut to fit this trough. It is then tied in place and waxed. 



Grafting Wax. — There are three main ingredients in most graft- 

 ing waxes, (1) resin (2) beeswax or paraffin (3) tallow, lard, linseed 

 oil, or wagon grease. 



A good formula is four parts by weight of resin, two parts by 

 weight of wax, and one part by weight of grease. This makes a 

 wax of medium hardness. For greenhouse work or for use in hot 

 weather, a harder wax may be desired. This is formed by using 

 more resin and less grease. For outdoor work in cold weather a 

 softer wax may be made by using less resin and more grease. If 

 linseed oil is used in place of the heavier forms of grease, the wax is 

 softer. 



Directions for Making Grafting Wax. — Take an old can which 

 is not soldered. Melt the resin in this can, add the wax and lastly 

 add the grease or oil. After thoroughly stirring, pour the melted 

 mixture into a bucket to cool. Grease the hands and pull like taffy. 

 It should be pulled until it is all uniformly light in color. Then lay 

 it on greased paper to cool. 



When desired, a mass of the wax may be dipped into warm water 

 and thus warmed for use. It is commonly carried in a mass on the 

 back of the left hand during grafting operations. 



Number 18 or number 20 knitting cotton is commonly pur- 

 chased in balls. This may be wound off in skeins about eight inches 

 long by wrapping on a board or book. The skein is cut at both 

 ends and the strands tied by a cord around the center. This may 

 be dipped into melted wax. Waxed knitting cotton may be softened 

 to suit the desires of the grafter at any time by dipping it in warm 

 water. 



NURSERY PROBLEMS 



Rabbits and mice often girdle trees or scar them badly and 

 must be kept out of the nursery. The rabbit trap shown in figure 

 40 will help to reduce the number of rabbits. Mice are present 

 only when there is litter in which they may hide. 



Growth of trees is very important and the trees must be kept 

 growing rapidly throughout the growing season. Have them cul- 

 cultivated often and very carefully to avoid damaging the trees. 

 Feed the trees well. The effect of fertilizer is shown in figure 41. 



Inspection of Nurseries. — State laws provide for the inspection 

 of nurseries at least once a year. The nursery is examined for inju- 



