GRAFTING AND BUDDING 



45 



and grafting by approach. It comprises two points : — first, 

 cutting off the head of the stock above the graft ; second, 

 cutting the scion-branch or stem below the graft. It is 

 prudent to proceed by degrees both in the entire operation 

 and in its details, first cutting off the head of the stock 

 and afterwards detaching the scion from the parent stem. 

 In both cases this should be done by a series of successive 

 cuttings, in order to avoid the reaction consequent on 

 extensive mutilation. 



Catting off the Head of the Stock. 



The operations for this purpose may commence a fortnight 

 after grafting, if the graft appears to have succeeded. Firsts 

 the extremities only of the principal branches are cut off. 

 A week after this they are shortened down to 4 or 8 inches. 

 When the union of the graft is certain, the stem is shortened 

 in two or three cuttings, so as to leave a simple stump about 

 2 inches above the graft, and furnished, if possible, with 

 small shoots to draw the sap. "With subjects grafted in 

 spring, this operation is performed about the end of summer ; 

 the cohesion of the parts will be perfect before winter. But 

 if the grafting takes place later, we should confine ourselves 

 before winter to shortening the branches of the head or the 

 leading shoot as soon as the parts are perfectly united. The 

 final cutting down to 4 inches above the graft should be 

 postponed to the following spring, when the sap begins to 

 flow. The heel or stump is retained for one season, to serve 

 as a prop to which the scion is tied, and also that the shoots 

 left upon it may draw up the sap. It is cut away entirely 

 when the cohesion of the parts is considered perfect and 

 the scion sufficiently vigorous to dispense with it. It would 

 not be amiss to cover the wound with grafting-wax, and to 

 continue the prop for some time longer. This succession 



