THE PLEASANT ART OF GRAFTING 



83 



branch is cut off; two cions are inserted in a cleft made 

 with a knife. The "stub" is covered with grafting-wax 

 (Fig. 19). Cleft-grafting is the usual method for the 

 orchardist. 



/ 



1 8. 

 The cleft-graft. 



19. 

 The cleft-graft 

 after waxing. 



In either kind of grafting, the cion carries about three 

 leaf-buds. If "wood" (cion-shoots) is scarce, only one 

 bud may be taken, but this reduces the chances of suc- 

 cess. One bud may not grow, or the young shoot may 

 be injured. The lowest bud is usually most likely to 

 grow ; it pushes through the wax. 



In young trees set for the purpose of top-working, 

 the trunk may be cut off at the desired height and two 

 cions inserted. The entire top is then removed at once; 



