GHAFTING A3sD BUDDING. 



11 



against the branch or stem, while the other hand directs the 

 blade. In the case of a stock of moderate thickness, the 

 shortening of the stem is effected by means of the praning- 

 knife, withont having recourse to the saw. The prunhig-knife 



----- -7 3 /8. — -a 



English Pruning-Knif e (straight-bla&ed form) . 



is also employed for cutting up the scions into suitable lengths. 

 If it is preferred to employ a pruning-knife, in cutting and 

 dressing them finally it will be advisable to have in reserve 

 another finer-edged one, and keep the first for heading down, 

 cutting off old stems, and such rough work. Grafters who 



, use the pruning-knife for every operation of grafting should 

 choose a blade not much curved, which will be found very 



, handy when it is required to split the stock. The pruning- 

 knife is also used, after grafting, in shortening those stocks 



| which have not been previously cut, and also for removing the 

 heel of the graft after a year's growth. The handle is held 

 with both hands, and thus the heel is cut off with greater ease. 



i This implement is also useful in trimming thorny trees. 



The Budding -Knife. 

 I The budding-knife is a tool with a narrow blade, widening 



French Bndding-Knife (Greffbir). 



towards the end, and with the point curving backwards. At 

 the end of the handle is a spatula, or small thin blade of 

 ivory, which is used for raising the bark. This spatula should 



