PROPAGATION OF VARIETIES. 



23 



inches from its lower end, so as to have one side stronger than the other. 

 This strong side is then properly prepared and introduced between the 

 bark and the wood, while the thinner division is fitted to the oppo- 

 site side of the stock." The graft, thus placed, receives a large supply 

 of the sustaining fluid from the stock, and the union is rapid ; while the 

 wound on the stock is speedily covered by a new layer of bark from that 

 part of the scion which stands astride it. 



Side-grafting is a mode described by Elliott, and considered very 

 successful for grafting the Magnolia, and other trees difficult of propaga- 

 tion ; and also for the greater safety of grafts received or delayed late in 

 spring. It is performed by cutting a notch or slit of about one inch 

 long in the side of the stock, paring the outer portion, splitting the lower 

 end of the graft and paring the inner portion, then inserting it, so as to 

 form a union of the bark and wood, leaving meanwhile the top of the 

 stock to carry on the circulation of the sap until the graft becomes 

 united, when the stock is to be cut away. 



Grafting-clay is prepared by mixing one-third cow-dung, free from 

 straw, and two-thirds clay, or clayey loam, with a little hair, like that 

 used in plaster, to prevent its cracking. Beat and temper it for two or 

 three days, until it is thoroughly incorporated. When used, it should 

 be of such a consistency as to be easily put on and shaped with the hands. 



Grafting-wax. The common grafting-wax of the French gardeners is 

 of two kinds. The first is melted and laid on with a brush in a fluid 

 state, and is made of half a pound of pitch, half a pound of beeswax, and 

 a pound of cow-dung, boiled together. The second, which is spread 

 while warm on strips of coarse cotton or strong paper, and wrapped 

 directly about the graft, answering at once to tie and to protect it, is com- 

 posed of equal parts of beeswax, turpentine, and resin. The grafting-wax 

 most commonly used here is made of tallow, beeswax, and resin, in 

 equal parts, or, as many prefer, with a little more tallow to render 

 it pliable. It may be applied directly around the graft, or it may 

 be spread with a brush, when warm, upon cloth or paper, and after- 

 ward the cloth or paper cut into suitable strips for wrapping, as indicated 

 in the directions for grafting. 



Grafting-wax is a much neater and more perfect protection than 

 grafting-clay. 



JBudding. 



Budding [inoculating, of the old authors) differs from common graft- 

 ing not the least in its nature or effects. Every bud is a distinct indi- 

 vidual, capable of becoming a tree under favorable circumstances. In 

 grafting we use a branch composed of several buds, with a considerable 

 quantity of bark and wood ; while in budding we employ but a single 

 bud, with a very small quantity of the adjoining bark and wood. 



The advantages of budding fruit-trees, compared with grafting, are 

 so considerable that in this country it is ten times as much practised. 

 These are, first, the great rapidity with which it is performed ; a skilful 

 budder, with a clever boy following him to tie the buds, being able to 

 work from a thousand to twelve hundred young nursery stocks in a day. 

 2d. The more convenient season at which it is performed in all coun- 

 tries where a short spring crowds garden labors within a small space. 

 3d. Being able to perform the operation without injuring the stock in 



