117 
and fitted with a handle, is pressed between the cambium or growing 
wood and the bark. Bone will not turn the sap like steel or iron. 
In this way the scion will be held 
firmly against the trunk without the 
assistance of any ties. When made 
under the ground, the moist clay and 
cow dung moulded round the graft 
will exclude the air which would 
otherwise interfere with the success 
of the operation. When done above 
ground, small strips of waxed cloth 
over the eavity formed between the 
bark and the wood are necessary. 
Some gardeners use no grafting 
wax, but lay a few of the leaves of 
the plants on the grafts, the whole 
being tied up hermetically with a 
cap «+f strong paper. The paper 
being a non-conductor, the moisture 
of the leaves being brought out by 
the heat of the sun keeps the grafts damp and prevents them dry- 
ing. This cap, however, is liable to harbour insects that eat the 
buds as soon as they open. 
GRAFTING THE OLIVE. 
The olive is most successfully grafted, says Lelong, during the 
months of March and April,* but preference is given to those 
grafted in March, by the following deft method:— 
In this method the stocks are not split down the centre as in the 
old way, but instead, the cut is made obliquely, so that the barks of 
the stock and scion may come obliquely together, and in which way 
the grafts make a surer and better union. The graft is faced on 
both sides, to be large at the surface side and thin at the inner side, 
exactly in the shape of a wedge. The graft is driven down as far 
as it will go, and made to fit exactly, the barks of the scion and 
stoek to be even on the surface side, the other side does not matter, 
as the scion unites with the stock of the first only on the surface 
side, and in time both sides heal over. The graft having been 
inserted, it must be tied and waxed. 
{ 
POINTS TO OBSERVE. 
For tying, cloth or twine may be used, and the wax applied 
over it. In grafting nursery trees in the field it is best to graft 
them low, the grafts to be covered with earth within an inch or so 
from the top, leaving as litle of the graft exposed as possible. 
* August and September in Australia. 
