PROPAGATION OF TREES. 223 
both sides meets the other; but when this union of the 
two edges cannot be conveniently made, then it is usual 
that two scions be inserted so as to perfect the juncture. 
It is not, however, advisable that more than one of the two 
remain, in case they both have united. The most healthy 
is generally retained, the other being sawed off close to 
the stock. The cleft in the stock being sufficient in itself 
to retain the graft firmly in its place, no other protective 
measures need be employed other than those necessary 
to exclude the air, protect exposed portions of the wood 
from the action of moisture, and the graft and stock from 
the encroachments of motive agencies. Of the many com- 
posites in use for grafting-wax, the following is given 
and recommended by Andrew S. Fuller, in his work on 
“Forest-Tree Culture:” The ingredients are beeswax, 
resin, and tallow, in the following proportions: One 
pound of tallow, two pounds of beeswax, and four 
pounds of resin melted together. If to be used in cool 
weather, a little more tallow may be added. 
In splice and saddle grafting, if successful, the union 
of the graft with the stock will be accomplished at the 
end of the fourth month, about which time also the 
bandage may be loosened, so as to admit the air gradu- 
ally, or until the scion has become accustomed to the 
change, when it may be entirely withdrawn. 
PRUNING. 
The benefit of pruning forest-trees is more lightly 
thought of than it deserves. Upon this operation de- 
pends the healthy thrift of all members of the growth 
acted on, as well as its future deportment and usefulness. 
To prune a tree so as to serve the purpose for which 
it is wanted, observation of its natural habit will soon 
teach the planter how much or how little is required to 
be cut away. Care, however, is necessary that it be not 
pruned to such an extent as to weaken or check its 
growth, nor should the whole of the branches prunable 
