THE FRUIT GARDEN. 



371 



according to the size of the branch and stem. In performing 

 this operation, the scions or grafts are cut flat on one side, 

 with a slioulder to rest on the crown of the stock ; then the 

 rind of the stock is raised up, to admit them between the wood 

 and the bark of the stock, which must be inserted about two 

 inches, so that the shoulders may meet, and closely join the 

 crown of the stock, and after the whole of the scions are in- 

 serted, all the crown of the stock should be well clayed over, 

 leaving only two eyes of the grafts uncovered, which will be 

 sufficient for shooting. This method of grafting was much 

 more in use formerly than at present, owing to the bad success 

 with which it was attended ; for as the grafts are placed be- 

 tween the rind of the stock and the wood, they are frequently 

 blown out by strong winds, sometimes after they are in a bear- 

 ing state. Where this method is practised, the young shoots 

 should be properly supported by stakes. It is a convenient 

 way for grafting old trees cut down to the surface. 



Cleft, or slit-grafting y which is performed on stocks and 

 branches of smaller size, may be adopted with success, where 

 the bark or rind is not too thick, by which the inner bark of 

 the graft will be prevented from joining chat of the stock. In 

 performing this sort of grafting, the head of the stock or 

 branch must be cut off with a slope, and a slit made the oppo- 

 site v/ay in the top of the slope, deep enough to receive the 

 scion or graft, which should be cut sloping like a wedge, so as 

 to fit the slit made in the stock, care being taken to leave that 

 side of the wedge, which is to be placed outward, much thicker 

 than the other ; and in putting the scion into the slit of the 

 stock, great care must be taken to join the rind of the scion 

 exactly to that of the stock; for, if these do not unite, the 

 grafts will not succeed : when this method of grafting is used 

 to stooks that are not strong, it will be proper to make a liga- 

 ture of bass, to prevent the slit of the stock from opening; 

 aftei' which, the whole should be clayed over, to prevent the 

 air from penetrating the slit, so as to destroy the grafts, only 

 leaving two eyes of the scions above the clay for shooting. It 

 is usually performed about the beginning of March. 



W/tij), or tongtte-graftingi is the most generally practised 

 by nurserymen, especially for small stocks, or branches of an 



