74 



THE ART OP 



scion is more securely fixed in it. To the group of side- 

 grafting we might add the method termed gimlet -grafting, in 

 which a gimlet or drill is used to pierce an oblique hole from 

 above downwards through the bark and alburnum without 

 reaching the pith. The mouth of the hole is smoothed, and 

 the end of the graft is cut round and pointed, so as to fit it pro- 

 perly. This method is seldom used; it should only be 

 employed on old stocks, which do not exude gum, and when 

 it is required to supply a branch to a very bare stem. 



Treatment after Side-Grafting in the Alburnum. 

 If the grafting has taken place in the month of April, the 

 head of the stock should be gradually cut away, as soon as- 

 the cohesion of the parts seems to be assured, continuing 

 the operation in proportion to the development of the graft- 

 But if the grafting has occurred in autumn, the stock is cut, 

 after winter, to within 4 cr 6 inches of the graft, preserving 

 on the heel the principal leaves and small branches, which 



Side-Grafting with an oblique cleft. 



