10 



GRAFTING. 



ground, which in large nurseries is done by a 

 man before the grafter. After the grafter a 

 man to tie the grafts ; then follow two boys, the 

 one to what is commonly called dabb, or put 

 the clay on the graft, and the other to close the 

 clay: in this way you may get through much 

 grafting, if the grafter be quick. The grafter 

 should have the scions cut in lengths about six 

 inches long, and carry them in his apron ; then 

 taking out one at a time, he should hold it 

 firm in his left hand, then take a slice off 

 the end of the scion, rather more than an inch 

 long, and be careful not to let your knife cut 

 too deep to get into the pith, till it gets near 

 the end of the slice : — this is one reason why I 

 recommend so short a slice, for in taking a 

 long slice you are apt to cut along the pith, 

 which is very injurious; although it may not 

 signify so much with apples, it is a bad prac- 

 tice to follow, for in grafting cherries you will 

 scarcely ever have a crop, or what is commonly 

 called a good hit. Having made your slice in 

 the manner described, you then cut a tongue 

 or slit, which should be about a quarter of an 



