48 



FRUIT GARDEN COMPANION. 



to varieties similar to the parent crab-apple. The 

 methods of grafting are numerous, but there are two 

 only generally followed, namely, the cleft-graft, and 

 the whip-graft. The former is principally practised 

 on large trees, and indeed in the nursery department 

 in this country ; but the latter is universally practised 

 in the nurseries of Great Britain and other European 

 countries. 



The scions selected for grafting are those of the 

 last year's growth from the fruiting wood. Suckers 

 from the central part are by no means to be chosen 

 if they can be avoided. The cuttings should be 

 taken from the tree about the beginning of March 

 and tied in bundles, and placed into the earth in a 

 sunny and sheltered situation. The time of grafting 

 depends on the nature of the season, but general- 

 ly the beginning of April is a good time. When the 

 sap beginsto flow freely is the best period, which, 

 can be easily ascertained. 



Cleft-grafting. — Having the scions prepared as 

 before directed, a quantity of grafting-clay, compo- 

 sition, or other proper covering may be prepared 

 previous to performing the work. The grafting- 

 clay is prepared by collecting a quantity of stiff clay, 

 and moistening it with water to the consistence of 

 stiff mortar ; into this a quantity of short cut horse 

 hair, moss, horse dropping, or other substance may 

 be mixed to thread it together in a manner that it will 

 act as a plaster, not to be easily removed from the 

 tree by rain, sun, or other cause when once put on. 

 This composition, if well made, is the best, and will 

 be found to answer for any kind of grafting. 



There are many other kinds of composition made 

 for the purpose of covering grafts, of which bees- 



