TOP-GRAFTING OLD TREES. 



195 



tree and to avoid too many pole-like branches, the 

 most important secondary or side-limbs are grafted. 

 But it must be borne in mind that the scions in a 

 horizontal limb grow upright-and not horizontally, 

 and they must therefore be so placed as not to in- 

 terfere with branches above them. For the same 

 reason, a scion should not be set under another in 

 the same stub ; that is, the cleft in a horizontal 

 branch must be made horizontally. 



Perhaps a few general rules concerning the form 

 of top and positions of stubs and scions may merit 

 separate statement : 



6. If horizontal limbs are grafted, the stub 

 should be so placed that the growth of the scion 

 will not interfere with branches above it. 



7. Do not graft in or near a symmetrical crotch. 



8. In horizontal stubs, make the cleft horizon- 

 tally, that one scion may not stand over the order. 



It is not to be expected that all the scions are to 

 remain permanently in all cases. One good scion 

 is usually enough after two or three years. We 

 insert two in each stub for the double purpose of 

 increasing the chances of a full "stand" of scions, 

 and to aid the healing of the stub. It is always 



Fig. 2. — Top-Grafted Tree. Fio. i iVFXER Being Operated Upon. 



1. Graft many limbs and small ones, rather than 

 few and large ones. 



2. From an inch to an inch and a half is consid- 

 ered the proper diameter of a stub in old tree. 



3. Arrange the stubs approximately equi-distant 

 from the trunk of the tree. 



4. Graft some of the most important secondary 

 and side branches in order to retain the original 

 height of top, and to supply foot-rests for climbers. 



5. Select for the stub a smooth and straight 

 portion of the branch. 



better to insert too many stubs than too few. 



A frequent objection to this practice of grafting 

 many limbs is its cost, for grafters charge by the 

 piece. But the orchardist should not hire his 

 grafting done. He should either do it himself or 

 interest his boys in the operation. 



This newer system of re- shaping a top is the 

 easiest, safest and quickest way of changing an old 

 tree. I have been obliged many times to regraft 

 trees which had been grafted in the old manner, in 

 order to save them from ruin. L. H. Bailey. 



