GRAFTING AND BUDDING. 



161 



several scions on the same stem, each of them will require a 

 support, such as a lath or a small rod more or less branched 

 Subjects grafted on a low stock should be provided with a 

 prop of a length suited to the probable development of the 

 graft. For example, the Hollyhock, which produces only a 

 couple of short branches, has hardly any need of a prop ; 

 whereas the E-obinia Decaisneana, although grafted close to 

 fche ground, will require a tall prop, as in the first year ifc may 

 produce shoots nearly 10 feet long. In nurseries, the laths 

 and rods are kept on the grafted stocks for a year at least. 

 If the trees are to be sent to a distance, the fastenings of 

 these are renewed as soon as the treses are taken up, in order 

 to protect the graft when being packed. The illustration on 

 p. 151 shows how the shoot from a shield-bud is fastened to 

 the stump of the stock. In the case of those where the stump 

 is not sufficiently long, a prop is added, (see next page) which 

 is first fastened to the neck of the stock and then to the 

 shoot of the graft. Those subjects which are in danger of 

 coming off at the graft, and which have largely- developed seems 

 liable to be swayed about by the wind, will require a prop 

 from the first. The young shoots of the graft are tied 

 up with rushes. Rods and props are fastened to the 

 stock with at least two osiers ; a single osier or several 

 fastenings of rushes or straw would not be sufficiently firm 

 "When the shoot of the graft becomes woody, it may be tied 

 with young osiers, lime-bark, bast-mat, leaves of Typha, or 

 damp straw. The tying should be carefully done, without 

 squeezing the branch too much, fraying the bark, or bruising 

 the leaves. The props should rather be planed round than 

 made of flat split wood. Their durability is increased by 

 soaking them in a solution of sulphate of copper. They 

 should be placed on the north side of the tree, so as not to 

 intercept the rays of the sun. A prop attached to a tree with 



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