THE HANDLING OF THE PLANTS 



145 



warm weather approaches, shave off the edges of the girdle so 

 that the heahng tissue may grow freely, smear the whole sur- 

 face with grafting-wax, or with clay, and bind the whole wound 

 with strong cloths. Even though the tree is completely girdled 

 for a distance of three or four inches, it usually 

 may be saved by this treatment, unless the 

 injury extends into the wood. The water from 

 the roots rises through the soft wood and not 

 between the bark and the wood, as commonly 

 supposed. When this sap water has reached 

 the foliage, it takes part in the elaboration of 

 plant-food, and this food is distributed through- 

 out the plant, the path of transfer being in the 

 inner layers of bark. This food material, being 

 distributed back to the girdle, will generally heal 

 over the wound if the wood is not allowed to 

 become dry. 



In some cases, however, it is necessary to join 159. Bridge-graft- 

 the bark above and below the girdle by means ^ girdle, 



of cions, which are whittled to a wedge-shape on either end, 

 and inserted underneath the two edges of the bark (Fig. 

 159). The ends of the cions and the edges of the wound are 

 held by a bandage of cloth, and the whole work is protected 

 by melted grafting-wax poured upon it.^ 



Repairing street trees. 



The following advice on ''tree surgery" is by A. D. Taylor 

 (Bulletin 256, Cornell University, from which the accompany- 

 ing illustrations are adapted) : — 



* A good grafting-wax is made as follows: Into a kettle place one part by 

 weight of tallow, two parts of beeswax, four parts of rosin. When completely 

 melted, pour into a tub or pail of cold water, then work it with the hands 

 (which should be greased) until it develops a grain and becomes the color of 

 taffy candy. The whole question of the propagation of plants is discussed in 

 *' The Nursery-Book." 



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