PROPAGATION 



haps a week earlier, the grafts should be set in a 

 clean, thoroughly tilled garden spot. Mellow, warm, 

 well-drained soil with an abundance of plant food 

 is essential. The garden line is stretched across 

 the plot, a trench is opened out 8 to 12 inches deep, 



FIG. 3 — ^WHIP-GEAFT 



and the grafts set against the straight side of this 

 furrow. They should be set 8 inches apart, and 

 covered with soil nearly to the tops of the cions, 

 leaving, say, two buds projecting. The soil should 

 be firmly packed around them. Thereafter they 

 are to be hoed and tended like any other crop. Such 

 grafts are usually ready for transplanting to the 

 orchard after two years' growth ; but fertile soil and 

 good care will give trees heavy enough for use in 

 one year. 



