Chap. 26.] 
GRAFTINa BT SCUTCHEOlSrs. 
483 
time, however, this method has been greatly improved by 
making use of the Gallic auger/^ which pierces the tree with- 
out scorching it ; it being the fact, that everything that burns 
the tree weakens its powers. Care, too, is taken to select a 
graft that is just beginning to germinate, and not to leave 
more than a couple of the buds protruding from the stock. 
The vine, too, should be carefully bound with withes of elm, 
incisions being made in it on either side, in order that the 
slimy juices may exude through them in preference, which 
are so particularly^ injurious to the vine. After this, Vv^hen 
the graft has grc^wn a couple of feet, the withe by which it is 
fastened should be cut, and the graft left to increase of its own 
natural vigour. 
The proper time^*^ for grafting the vine has been fixed as 
from the autumnal equinox to the beginning of the budding 
season. The cultivated plants are generally grafted on the 
roots of wild ones, where these last are of a drier nature. Eut if 
a cultivated tree should be grafted on a wild one, it will very 
soon degenerate and become wild.^^ The rest depends entirely 
on the weather. Dry weather is the best suited for grafting ; 
an excellent remedy for any evil effects that may possibly be 
caused by the drought, being a few pots of earth placed near 
the stock and filled with ashes ; through which a little water 
is slowly filtered. Light dews are extremely favourable to 
grafting by inoculation. 
CHAP. 26. (16 ) — GEAETITO BY SCUTCHEOI^S.^'^ 
Grafting by scutcheons would appear to owe its origin to 
that by inoculation ; but it is suited more particularly to a 
thick bark, such as that of the fig-tree for instance. For this 
purpose, all the branches are cut off, in order that they may 
not divert the sap, after which the smoothest part is selected 
It is not accurately known Avkat was the form or particular merit of 
this auger or wimble. 
2« Fee remarks, that the period here named is very indefinite. May 
and the early part of June are the periods now selected for grafting the 
vine. 
This is borrowed from Varro, De Be Eust. B. i. c. 40. In reality, 
it makes no difference whether the stock is that of a wild tree or of the 
cultivated species. 
Emplastrura." Properly, the little strip of bark, which is fitted in with 
the eye, and which is plaatered or soldered aown. 
