372 



PROPAGATING FRUIT PLANTS 



grafting is more easily performed than cleft grafting, The 

 operation is performed at the same time of year as cleft 

 grafting. 



Equipment, A sharp knife, saw, tack hammer, brads or 

 wire nails (No. 20, %-inch) , and grafting wax are necessary. 



Preparing the Stock, Select the branches in the same man- 

 ner as for cleft grafting. It is not so necessary that the stock 



be free from knots as no cleft 

 is made in it, but smooth places 

 should be available on the bark 

 (Fig. 144). 



Preparing the Cion, Take 

 cion wood in the same manner 

 as for cleft grafting, preferably 

 of large size so long as the buds 

 are good. Cut in pieces, carry- 

 ing three or four buds and 

 about 4 inches long. At about 

 the middle of the cion make an 

 abrupt cut to the center on one 

 side, turn the blade, and cut 

 straight to the lower end. This 

 will remove a section of the cion 

 and leave a cut surface that is 

 even and smooth. Make the cut 

 on the side opposite the lower 

 bud so that the bud may be re- 

 tained and may function when 

 the cion is in place. 

 Inserting the Cion, Place the cut surface of the cion lightly 

 against the bark of the stock where the union is to be made, 

 and trace the outline of the cion with the knife point. Re- 

 move the cion and take out the corresponding piece of bark on 

 the stock. If growth is just beginning, the piece will peel out 

 readily, leaving the growth or cambium cells exposed. If the 

 inner bark adheres, remove it carefully. 



{N, r. state College of Agr.) 



Fig. 144. Inlay or bark grafting. 

 (1) Cions prepared for attach- 

 ment to the stock. (2) Stock 

 prepared for cions. (3) Cions 

 fastened in place with small nails. 

 (4) All exposed parts waxed. 



