123 



BUDDING AUp GBAPTING. 



successful than if above the surface, and the resulting tree will be 

 hardier than if the union were above ground, since the vreakest 

 point in a tree (the graft) will be protected by the earth. Of 

 course very frequently it is impracticable to do the work in this 

 manner. Figure 103 shows a grape root, so grafted. The methods 

 adapted for grafting below ground are the same as for above 

 ground, only not so much wax is required. 



In grafting below ground it is important to remove the soil 

 until a smooth straight part is found of sufficient length to contain 

 the scion. It is impor- 

 tant, also, to keep the 

 wounds free from dirt, 

 for however much it 

 may help to have the 

 whole graft covered in 

 this way, any soil on 

 the cut surfaces will 

 prevent that desirable 

 close contact of the cells 

 which is necessary for 

 successful work. When 

 grafting is done below 

 ground suckers will 

 often start from the 

 stock in great numbers. 

 These should be all re- 

 moved or the graft will 

 be ruined. A little ob- 

 servation soon teaches 

 one to distinguish at a 

 glance the sprouts from 

 the stock from the 

 scion. In removing 

 these suckers they 

 should be pulled away 

 from the stock and not 

 simply cut off. Only 

 one shoot should be per- 

 mitted to grow from 

 each scion, and this 

 should be the thriftiest 

 and generally that 

 starting lowest down. 

 The lowest is saved because wherever a shoot starts there is gen- 

 erally a crook formed, and if near the ground it is not unsightly. 



Night Cap is a term given to signify a paper bag that is 

 sometimes dra wn over and tied below the graft as soon as it is 

 completed. It is well illustrated in Fig. 104. Its use is to prevent 

 the shriveling of the scion due to exposure to drying winds. It is 



Fig, 



102.— Side-graf tin g as practiced on cherry, 

 a. scion; b, stock; c, graft made; d, graft 

 covered with wax. 



