94 
Grafting Was. 
Several formule are given for the preparation of grafting wax. 
They all, however, contain beeswax, resin, and either tallow or raw 
(not boiled) linseed oil. 
In warm regions, where the grafting wax is apt to run, raw 
linseed oil is often preferred to the tallow, and the proportion of 
resin is increased, whilst that of the beeswax is reduced, the cost 
being thereby also reduced. , 
Wax made of the following proportions, and well pulled, will 
not erack, and will be little affected by the weather :— 
Beeswax 2s mt og Sa .. 1 to 2lbs. 
Resin aa es ar oe .. Albs. 
Tallow a Ss aes Si .. Ib. 
or 
Raw Linseed Oil .. in aa .. %4 pint. 
Slowly melt all together, stirring well to cause the ingredients 
to better incorporate with one another. When ready to pull, in 15 
to 20 minutes, pour into a bucket of lukewarm water. Then grease 
the hands to prevent the wax sticking, and pull the wax until it 
becomes light yellow and tough. Make into balls of convenient size, 
and throw into a bucket of cold water to stiffen, and use when re- 
quired. If too hard then, put a lump into warm water for a few 
minutes, and it can soon be worked with the hands. Some prefer 
to put the wax on hot and in liquid form; a small paint-brush is 
convenient for this purpose; but this method is more wasteful of 
material. The wax can be applied safely much warmer than can 
be borne by the hand, but should be well below the boiling-point 
of water. Wet the fingers before using. 
Other Coverings. 
Gum shellac dissolved in aleohol is too expensive, and it also 
eracks. 
Paint is not good, as it contains oil, and that deadens the bark 
on the rim and does not heal very well. 
Grafting clay is cheaper, and very serviceable. It is made of 
one-third part cow dung and two-third parts of clay or clayey loam, 
with a little chopped hair—as used in plastering—to prevent 
cracking. Beat and temper this for two or three days, until it is 
thoroughly incorporated. The ball of clay must not be allowed to 
dry. but must be kept fairly moist by the application of a little 
water or wet bandages. Wood ashes on the hand prevents the clay 
sticking when finishing the mould round the cut. 
Wazed cloth or wared paper are preferred by many to any of 
the foregoing. This material is got ready before the operation. 
When budding is practised it is to be recommended in preference 
to any other material, as it answers the double purpose of holding 
the bud or graft—and thus doing away with tying—and of exelud- 
