The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-02-27
Every Ono Can Graft.

Our ufSt successful grating Was
done at the age of nino years. SAT
home" we had al old orchard that
seemed to be past it's period of useful
ness. and what apples it did bear wero
OF inferior sorts. 1t was question
whether to cut down the trees, or try
and rejuvenate them by the application
OF an abundance of manure, well stirred
into the soil, and by grating tho old
limbs with new and superior varieties
OF fruit. 1t was concluded to soc what
vrtrlre thore WIS in manure and oions.
and this gaye us all opportunity to watch
the process of grating. Before the Job
was finished we had learned the art of
cutting cion, making cleft, applying
tho wax, etc. Later in tho season it
was source OF much qualification to
see the young graft we had put in,
growing along with those set by a mas
ter-hand. This reminiscenco Of youth
is given as proof that grating is not
monopoly Of gifted minds, or all art
that can only be acquired by the few.
With the ordinary amount of "gumption"
to begin with, followed by careful
teaching for only short time, almost
any one can graft successfully. Grating
Is simply planting cutting of one vari-
ty iii the wood of another, instead of in
the soil. 1t is essential that the grow
Ing layer of tho cion and stock come in
close contact, aid be 50 hoiu Until they
| grow together. Now is tho time to get
the cions. They may bo bought at
most nurseries, and great care should
bo taken to got only the best varieties.
If cut at home, be equally careful to got
them OF the right kind, QUITTING only
twigs Of last seasons growth. Each
sort should be cut separately and tied
i'll bundles, labelled, and afterwards put
in boxes with damp sawdust or moss,
and kept in cool place until used. A
fine saw, two good knives, ono strong
and heavy, the other smaller, with n
keen edge; hardwood wedge, six
inches long and half an inch thick, and
small mallet are the implements used
i'll grating. The wax may be easily
mado by melting together, beeswax 6
o., rosin and tallow or. each. over G.
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 q
stick and dip them into the melted wax;
when the cloth is thoroughly penetrated
by the wax, remove, let drip, and put
away from dust ready for use. Grating
should be done as soon rs the buds be-
gin to swell. Having determined upon
the place for the graft, saw of the
branch, smooth the out surface and
make cleft with the knife and mallet
Out the cion from the twig, leaving two
or threo buds upon tho piece, and
sharpen the lower end into wedge.
Open the cleft with tie knife and place
tho cion in carefully 50 that the lower
bud comes ut the top of tho cleft. The
inner bark, or growing layer, Of tho
oicn and tho stock should touch as
much as possible. If the grated branch
is small. single cion is enough, other
wise, put III one on each side. Unroll
enough wa2ed cloth to cover tho wound
of both stock and cions, and press it on
carefully and closely. The quick ap-
plication of this protection Is only a
matter OF practice. 1t is wel for be-
ginners to start worthless limbs before
doing regular grating in the orchard.
If possible lind some one III the neigh
borhood familiar with the process and
learn the art from him. The general
principles may be obtained from printed
directions, but the SUCCESS OF the work
will depeud upon the knaek, and that
is only acquired in the orchard.