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a small quantity of linseed oil along. If the hands are oiled 

 before attempting to apply the wax it will be found to facilitate 

 the work and to preserve the good nature of the operator. 



Top Grafting. 



Top grafting is resorted to when for any reason one desires 

 to change the variety of an already established tree or to 

 remedy some defect or inherent weakness in the tree itself. 

 If the tree is two or three years set it may be grafted in the 

 stem or trunk, requiring only one operation to change the 

 whole top. However, if the young tree has a well-shaped 

 head it is more satisfactory to graft each of the scaffold 

 branches, since a better shaped tree will be secured. If the 

 tree has long been established the only method of changing 

 it is to graft into the branches. Just how large a branch may 

 be successfully grafted is an open question, but best results 

 will follow if the branches selected for stock are not more 

 than 3 inches in diameter. Branches 1 to 2 inches through 

 make the most successful stocks. 



In working over large trees it is advisable to graft first the 

 lower or lateral branches and only a few of the more upright 

 or central ones, leaving enough of the central branches to 

 furnish some shade for the trunk and main branches. If the 

 whole top is removed at one season sun scald is likely to 

 occur, seriously injuring or even killing the tree. 



If the scions set the first season make sufficient growth to 

 supply the necessary shade, the remaining branches may be 

 grafted the second season. Two or even three years are re- 

 quired to change completely the variety of a bearing tree. 

 While young trees up to three or four years old may be com- 

 pletely grafted in the one season, even with young trees it is 

 a good plan to leave one or two of the more central branches 

 for at least the first season. 



The best time to do top grafting is in late spring after 

 severe freezing is not likely to occur and before growth begins. 

 There are several distinct methods of uniting the stock and 

 scions, but only two will be discussed. 



Cleft Grafting. ■ — In cleft grafting, the stock, which is either 

 the stem or the branch of a tree, is cut off squarely with a 



