61 



just a trifle, having outer edges even at upper edge of stock 

 (see Fig. 1, c). The scion must be cut so that it will fit firmly 

 into the cleft. Another scion is prepared and inserted into 

 the opposite side of the stock. Each stock should carry two 

 scions. The weaker must be removed after one or two seasons' 

 growth (see Fig. 1, c). 



When the scions are firmly set in position the wedge is re- 

 moved and the wound is carefully waxed. The wax must fit 

 snugly around the scions at the top of the stock, and the cleft 

 must be entirely closed with it. The wax should extend down 

 the side an inch or two below any signs of cracks in the bark. 

 If the wax has been properly made it will require no further 

 attention after being applied. If too soft, it will run when 

 warm days come and must be replaced with a harder wax. If 

 the wax is not properly applied or is too soft, the air gains access 

 to the wound, drying out the wood, and the scions will not grow. 



The Notch, or Coburn Grafting. — This method is less com- 

 monly used than the preceding, but has some distinct ad- 

 vantages. Instead of splitting the stock a longitudinal cut is 

 made, using a sharp saw with a fairly wide set. This gives a 

 groove or notch the width of the saw cut about one-half inch 

 deep at top of the stock, running down the side of the stock 

 for 3 or 4 inches where it becomes a mere scratch on the bark 

 at the lower end (see Fig. 2, a). 



The scion is prepared in a slightly different manner from 

 that in the cleft method. Instead of a wedge it is cut in such 

 a way that the two sides of the tongue which is to fit into the 

 saw cut have parallel sides (see Fig. 2, b and c). The edge that 

 is to go toward the center of the stock should be a trifle thinner 

 so that when inserted into the stock the greatest pressure comes 

 on the outer edge. A few taps on the top of the scion will fix 

 it firmly in place. If stock is more than IH inches in diameter, 

 two scions may be inserted. The same care must be exercised 

 as in cleft grafting to have the growing areas in contact. The 

 wound must be thoroughly waxed as soon as scions are set. 



In both types of top grafting only one scion should be per- 

 mitted to make a permanent growth. After the first or second 

 season the less desirable one should be removed. This is 

 generally done by making a sloping cut down the stock, be- 



