Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1883-02-01
AGRICULTURAL
Every One Can Graft.

Our first successful grating was done
at the age of nine years. AT home we
had an old orchard that seemed to be
mast its period of usefulness, and what
spples # did bear were of inferior sorts.
II WAS a question whether to cut dewn
the trees. or try and rejuyenate them by
the application of an abundance OF ma
uure. well stirred into the soil, and by
.raftinr the old limbs with new and
snperior varieties of fruit. 1t was con-
alluded to see what virtue there was in
manure and cions, and this gave Us an
opportunity to watch the process OF
grating. Before the job was finished
we had learned the art Of cutting cioD,
making a cleft, applying the wax, etc.
Later in the season it was q source OF
much qualification to see the young
gratis we had put in, growing along
with those set by the master-hand.
This "reminiscences of youth is given
as proof that grating is not monop-
civ of gifted minds, or an art that can
emily be acquired by the few. With the
ordinary amount of "gumption" to begin
with, followed by careful teaching for
sply a short time, almost any one can
graft successfully. Grating is simply
planting q cutting of one variety in the
wood of another, instead of in the soil.
1t is essential that the growing layer of
the cion and stock come in close contact
and be so held until they grow together.
Now Is the time to get the cions. They
may be bought at most nurseries, and
great care should be taken TO get only
the best varieties. If cut at home, be
equally careful to get them OF the right
kind, cutting only twigs of last seasons
growth. Each sort should be cut sepa-
rately and tied in bundles, labelled, and
afterwards put in boxes with damp saw
dust OF moss, and kept in cool place
until used. A fine saw. two good knives
one strong and heavy, the other smaller,
with a keen edge; a hardwood wedge,
six inches long and half an inch thick,
and a small mallet, are the implements
used in grating. The wax may be
easily made by melting together, bees
wax 9 o., rosin and tallow 4 OF. each,
over moderate fire, stirring gradually
until all is melted. Rolls OF waxed
cloth may be formed from old cotton
stuff made thin by wear, and torn into
strips two inches wide. Wind the strips
upon stick and dip them into melted
wax; when the cloth is thoroughly PEN
etrated by the wax, remove, let drip, and
put away from dust ready for use.
Grating should be done as soon as the
buds begin to swell. Having determined
upon the place for the graft, saw off the
the branch, smooth the cut surface and
make cleft with the knife and mallet.
Cut the cion from the twig, leaving two
or three buds upon the piece, and sharp
en- the lower end into a wedge. Open
the cleft with the knife and place the
cion in carefully so that the lower bud
comes at the top of the cleft The inner
bark, or growing layer, of the cion and
the stock should touch as much as pOssi-
BILE. Ii the grated branch is small, a
single cion is enough, otherwise, put in
enc on each side. Unroll enough waxed
cloth to cover the wound of both stock
and seions, and press it ON carefully and
closely. The quick application Of this
protection is only matter of practice.
1t is well for beginners to start with
worthless limbs before doing regular
grating In the orchard. II possible ind
some one In the neighborhoOd familiar
with the process. and learn the art from
him. The general principles may be Oh
tanned from printed directions, but the
success of the work will depend upon
the knack, and that is only acquired in
the orchard. DR.. Halsted, in American
Agriculturist for February.