The Weekly Kansas chief. [volume] (Troy, Kan.) 1872-1918, 1883-02-01
for the farmer.
EVERY ONE CAN GRAFT.

Our first successful grating was done at the
age OF nine years. "At home we had an old or
chard that seemed to be past its period Of use
fitness, and what apples it did bear were Of in
ferior sorts. 1t was a 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 the old
limbs with new and superior varieties Of fruit.
IL was concluded to see what virtue there was
in manure and scions, and this gave oppor-
turity TO watch the process Of grating. Before
the job was finished we had learned the art of
cutting scions, making a cleft, applying the
wax, etc. Later in the season it was a source Of
much qualification to see the young gratis we
had put in, growing along with those set by
master hand.
This Renaissance of youth is given as
proof that grating is not a monopoly of gifted
minds, or an art that can only be acquired by
the few. With the ordinary amount of 'tgump-
ton" to begin WITH followed by careful teach
ing for only short time, almost any one can
graft successfully. Grating is simply planting
q cutting of one variety in the wood of another,
instead of the soil 1t is essential that the grow
ing layer of the scion and stock come in close
contact, and be so held until they grow togeth-
er. Now is the time TO get the scions. They
may be bought at most nurseries, and great care
should be taken to get emily the best varieties.
If cut at home, be equally careful to get them
of the right kind, cutting only twigs of last sea
sons growth. Each sort should be cut separ-
ately and tied in bundles, Tabled, and afterwards
put in boxes with damp sawdust moss, and
kept in cool place until used. fine saw,
two good knives, one strong and heavy, the 9th
er smaller, with a keen edge; n hard wood
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 melt
ing together, beexwax o., resin and tallow
OF. each, over a moderate fire, stirring gradual
~ until all is melted. Rolls Of waxed cloth may
be formed from old cotton stuff made thin by
wear, aud torn into strips two inches wide.
Wind the strips upon stick and dip them into
the melted wax. When the cloth is thoroughly
penetrated by the wax, remove, let drip, aud
put away from dust ready for use.
Grating should be done as as the buds
begin to swell. Having determined upon the
place for the graft saw of the branch, smooth the
cut surface and make a cleft with the knife and
malet. Cut the scion from the twig, leaving
two or three buds upon the piece and sharpen
the lower end into wedge. Open the cleft
with the knife and place the scion in carefully 50
that the lower bud comes ut the top of the cleft.
The inner bark, or growing layer, of the scion
aud the stock should touch as much as possible.
If the grated branch is small, a single scion is
enough, otherwise put in one on each side. I'm
roll enough waxed cloth to cover the wound
both of stock and scion, ank press it on careful
ly 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 work in the orchard. If
possible find some one in the neighbOrhoOd ia
miliar with the process, and learn the art from
him. The general principles may he obtained
from printed directions, but the snccess of the
work will depend upon the knack, and that is
only acquired in the orchard.-4meTieaH 1gri-
eHltHrisi