PEOPAGATION BY GKAFTING. 315 



mored to the open ground, or to outside frames. The 

 usual practice is, to place the stocks in pots, from six to 

 twelTe months before they are wanted for use, and then 

 plunge them in an open border surrounded with board 

 frames, where water can be applied as often as necessary 

 to ensure a yigorous growth of the stems and the forma- 

 tion of new roots. Success depends yery much upon the 

 condition and rigor of the stocks, and their preparation 

 for use is of such importance that it should not be over- 

 looked or neglected. Seedling stocks are principally used, 

 and of various ages, according to the kind and natural 

 growth, but those of from six to twenty-four inches high 

 will usually be as large as necessary. If the seedlings have 

 long tap-roots, these may be cut away, and even the lateral 

 roots may be shortened, if necessary, to admit all into 

 pots of convenient size. The tops may also be headed 

 back at the time of placing the stocks in pots ; in fact, 

 more or less pruning will usually be necessary, in order 

 to secure neat, trim-looking stocks. The new growth 

 which they will make in the pots before they are wanted 

 for use may require slight attention, in order to secure a 

 smooth^, clean surface on the stem at the point where the 

 cion is to be placed. 



When ready for grafting, the stocks are lifted from the 

 border and carried indoors, and the cions cut from the 

 parent plants as required, and kept in as fresh condition 

 as possible, not being allowed to wilt or shrivel in the 

 least. The stock should not be headed back or severely 

 pruned at the time of grafting, although a side branch, 

 or more than one, may be removed if necessary in prepar- 

 ing a place for the cion. 



In affixing the cion the operator selects a smooth place 

 on one side of the stock, then with a sharp knife he 

 makes a light cross-cut through the bark and to a slight 

 depth into the wood underneath, then inserts the blade 

 from one and a half to two and a half inches above, cut- 



