PROPAGATION BY QEAFTING. 199 



I Laye known men who considered 200 an hour an easy 

 task, and there are a few who will set many more than 

 that, under favor able circumstances. Practice makes ex- 

 pedition as well as perfection. 



CHAPTEE XVII. 

 PROPAaATION BY GRAFTING. 



Grafting is governed by the same physiological prin- 

 ciples as budding. There must exist an aflBnity between 

 the stock and cion ; if not, a permanent union is im- 

 possible. 



With some of the modes in use, the operation is very 

 similar to that of budding, but with this important differ- 

 ence, that in grafting a larger section of the plant to be 

 propagated is used than in budding ; besides, it can be 

 performed upon a great variety of plants while they are 

 dormant. 



The art of grafting is one of the most ancient methods 

 known of multiplying individual species and varieties of 

 plants ; still, there is at this late day, scarcely one person 

 in a hundred, among those who cultivate fruits who suf- 

 ficiently understands the process to put it into successful 

 practice. The same may be said of all the most common 

 methods of propagating plants, oft-repeated, but seldom 

 learned by any considerable number of persons of any one 

 generation. 



Through the ingenuity of horticulturists a great num- 

 ber of different modes of grafting have been invented, 

 and practised to a somewhat limited extent, but of the 

 majority it is safe to say that they are of no practical 

 value, merely showing in how many different ways the 

 cells of plants may be forced to unite. As it would be 



