PREVENTION AND REPAIR OF MECHANICAL INJURIES 143 



is of the simplest nature. In spring the cambium on 

 both branch and arm may be exposed by a small cut on 

 each. The two cut surfaces may then be brought in close 

 contact, fastened so firmly that there will be no motion, 

 and then covered with grafting wax. 



Each year the binding rope should be loosened to pre- 

 vent girdling of the arm. Probably in three to fi\c years 

 the union will be complete and the tip of the branch may 

 be cut off close to the arm. A modiiication of this method, 

 applicable to Y arms of rather large diameter, is to bore 



FIG. 102— SPLITTING OF PEACH TREE WHERE THE TOP WAS IMPROPERLY 

 FORMED WITH A Y-CROTCH 



a hole through one arm for the branch from the other arm 

 to pass through and beyond. Tying and waxing as above 

 recommended are advisable in this case also. 



127a. Grafting wax.* — "The resin and beeswax waxes 

 are all started alike ; the materials previously made into 

 small lumps may all be placed in the pot together, but 

 preferabljf the resin is melted over a very gentle fire first 

 and the other ingredients added. Boiling must be avoided. 

 After stirring to make uniform, the melted mixture is 

 poured into a tub of cold water and flattened out so it 

 will cool evenly. When cool enough to handle, it is 



^ Kains, Plant Propagation, Greenhouse and Nursery Practice, Page 222. 



