388 



PROPAGATING FRUIT PLANTS 



allowing it to cool and harden. It is necessary to heat this mix- 

 ture again for use. Apply with a brush or ladle. 



Alcoholic wax is used in cold weather in order to avoid 

 heating the wax in the field. 



Alcoholic Wax 



Resin 16 parts 



Tallow 1 part 



Wood alcohol ; . 8 parts 



Melt the tallow, then add the pulverized resin and heat 

 until entirely melted. Remove from the fire and stir until 

 partially cooled, then gradually add the alcohol until the 

 cooled mass has the consistency of paint. The wax will remain 

 in this form until ready for use if placed in containers such as 

 fruit jars and sealed to prevent evaporation. 



Waxed String and Bandages, Immerse a ball of No. 18 

 knitting cotton in the hot, soft wax for about 5 minutes. Turn 

 the ball frequently to insure complete saturation of the string. 

 Remove the ball, suspend on a wire or stick, and turn it over 

 several times while cooling to prevent the hot wax from settling 

 in the lower side of the ball. Wrap in oiled paper until ready 

 for use. Waxed bandages of muslin or cheesecloth may be 

 prepared in the same manner. 



GENERAL INFORMATION 



Forms of grafting other than those described in this chapter may occa- 

 sionally be useful. A form that is sometimes of value is the supporting 

 of poor crotches through grafting cross-shoots from other branches 

 at appropriate points on the branches. In such a case one end of the 

 graft is already attached, and the other may be inlaid on the branch 

 in need of support. The essential feature is to bring the cambium 

 tissues in contact and to hold them there until union has taken place. 

 The branches may need to be kept from spreading by tying or wiring 

 until the graft has united. Small soft shoots from opposite branches 

 may be twisted together and tied to serve the same purpose. They 

 will soon grow together. 



