56 



THE AUT 0* 



branch grafting, fruiting branches on those parts which want 

 them. It will be necessary then to employ the method of 

 grafting by approach, that is, if the vacant places are near 

 suitable branches. The Peach-tree, which is liable to lose 

 its branches, usually bears shoots which can be easily 

 grafted by approach on the bare spots ; and the operation 

 is performed in June and July with herbaceous shoots. 

 When a vacancy exists which it is desirable to supply with 

 a branch, in the beginning of summer an herbaceous 

 shoot is taken and applied to the branch, where it is 

 grafted by approach. The shoot is cut opposite to an eye, 

 which is let into the incision in the branch, and the 

 extremity will go on to develop itself. The result will be 

 a good fruiting branch when the detachment takes place 

 at least a year afterwards. Instead of making an incision 

 in the main branch, it will be sufficient to raise the bark by 

 a double T incision, if the condition of the sap allows it. In 

 this is placed the shoot, which has been slightly cut at D, 

 opposite an eye. The development of this shoot will facili- 

 tate the fork-pruning used with the fruit branches of the 

 Peach. This method was recommended in 1829 by M. 

 Leroy, gardener at Auteuil. Inarching is useful for furnishing 

 branches with shoots, and an eye or a shoot may be grafted 

 or budded into the bare part. Sometimes we sever in 

 August the arms of grafts insetted in the month of June 

 preceding. If there is no anticipative branch, one is excited 

 to develop itself by pinching the shoot three weeks before 

 grafting. When the young branch is developed, the leaf 

 which springs from its base is partially pinched, in order to 

 force the fruit -buds of the new branch to continue at the 

 base. The pruning of the fruiting branch will be afterwards 

 made easier by this operation. The vine is easily furnished 

 with shoots on vacant parts by approach-grafting. It is best 



