ii8 



GRAFTAGE. 



Other methods. A good union admits of a very strong 

 growth, and if the above precautions are kept in mind the 

 vines will equal those produced hy the more 

 common methods." 



Cleft-grafting.— In cleft-grafting-, tlie stock 

 is cut off squarely and split, and int.o the 

 split a cion with a wedge-shape base is 

 inserted. It is particularly adapted to large 

 :ocks, and is the method almost univer- 

 sall)' emjjloyed for top-grafting old 

 trees, its only competitor being 

 the bark-gral't described on 

 page 129. Fig. iiS illustrates 

 the operation. The end of the 

 st.ick, technically called a 

 "stub," is usually large enough 

 to accommodate two cious, one 

 u -on either side. In fact, it is 

 better to use two cions, not 

 only because they double the 

 chances of success, but because 

 they hasten the healing of the 

 Cleft-grafting is at best a 

 ^ harsh process, especially upon 

 large Iu:ibs, and i'.s evils should 

 be mitig-a'ed as much as pos- 

 ; small lin-,b;.i for the operation. 

 In common practice, the ciou (Fig. 119) contains 

 three liuds, the lowest one standing just above the 

 wedge portion. This lowest bud is usually en- 

 tirely covered with wax, but it jiushes through 

 without difficulty. In fact, being nearest the ^^ 

 source of food and most protected, its chances of 7/9. Clr.ft- 

 living are greater than those of the higher buds. •« '■''{,'', f""' 

 The sides of the cion must be cut smooth and 

 even. A single draw cut on each side with a sharp blade 



IJartial cuts. A good 



Cl,:/l-gya/ti)ig ( x i ) . 

 sible by choosinj: 



is much better than two or three 



