Propagation by Grafting. 205 
It should generally be of the preceding season’s growth, and 
should always contain one or more healthy leaf-buds.* Cions 
are usually cut in autumn, or during mild weather 
in winter or early spring, and are commonly stored 
in moist sawdust, moss or leaves, in a cool cellar, until 
needed for use. In climates of severe winters, they should 
always be cut in autumn. Cions should not be kept so 
moist as to cause swelling of the buds or the formation of 
callus (73), nor so dry as to cause shriveling. 
In cion grafting, the proximal (116) end of the cion is 
joined to the distal end of the stock in such a way that the 
cambium layers of the two coincide in at least one place. 
Cion grafting in the open air is usually most successful 
when performed just before or during the resumption of 
active growth in spring, and the cion is thought to unite 
more readily if in a slightly more dormant condition than 
the stock, possibly owing to its more ready absorption of 
water when in this state. 
The joints made in cion grafting are generally coated with 
a thin layer of grafting-wax to prevent evaporation and to 
keep out water. Sometimes the whole exposed part of the 
cion is waxed. 
387. To Make Grafting-Wax for cleft-grafting (392), 
melt together four parts, by weight, of unbleached rosin, two 
parts of beeswax and one part of beef tallow; pour into 
water, and when sufficiently cool, work with the hands until 
the mass assumes the color of manilla paper; roll into sticks 
and wrap with parafined paper to prevent sticking. Several 
other formulas are in use. 
* Flower-buds are occasionally used, but except in special cases, they should be 
avoided. 
