GRAFTING 163 



making roof grafts of apples, pears, and some other 

 fruits. The top shoots from good varieties are inserted upon 

 roots produced by growing young seedling trees, as of apple, 

 pear, and quince. The new tips are called scions. 



g. Root Grafting. — Koota of apple seedlings may be obtained 

 from a good nurseryman, or they may be grown in the school and 

 home gardens by planting apple seeds from a cider press. Cut 

 scions in fall or early winter from several good varieties of apple 

 trees, taking only the thrifty growth of the past season. Pack the 

 scions and roots in wet sawdust in a cold cellar until it is fouiid 

 convenient to graft them together. Take care to destroy all the seed- 

 ling tips, as they will not produce good fruit. The scions and roots 

 should be Is'ept moist by the use of wet paper. The cut surfaces should 

 be placed together before drying out, and must be made to fit firinly. 

 As soon as the grafts are wrapped with waxed cotton or waxed clothj 

 store them again in wet sawdust in a cold cellar until late planting 

 time. In late spring, plant the grafts in garden rows 4 feet apart, 

 and 1 foot apart in the rows. Each graft should be placed beneath 

 the ground with- only a bud or two of the scion projecting. 



Nurserymen make much use. of root grafting as a method 

 for propagating apples, pears, quinces, and some varieties of 

 a few other fruits. The root grafting work is done during 

 the winter season when other work is not pressing. It is 

 considered a very satisfactory and sure method of propagation. 

 If in any case the scion does notigrow, the root is apt to send 

 up shoots" of its, own. These must be destroyed, as they are 

 not true to variety.- 



lo. Practice in Budding. — Any time during winter or early 

 spring, dormant svidtches may be stood in a jar of water in a warm 

 room. This will tend to loosen the bark from the wood and make 

 them suitable for budding practice. With a sharp knife, make cuts 

 in the bark in the form of where the bud is to be inserted. Cut a 

 " bud shield " bearing a single bud. Place the bud shield right side 

 up firmly against the wood under the bark and wrap it firmly, as 

 shown in U. S. Farmers' Bulletin 157. 



Each student should make a number of buds in this way 

 until some sldll is attained. 



