ickness and shape of
the bark removed from the stock (see Fig. 22), so that the bud
will fit the stock. * * * * The bud should be firmly tied until
growth begins, usually about twenty-five days, when the string
should be cut and the stock also cut just above the bud. * * *
All shoots must be kept rubbed off so as to give the buds the
right of way. The small buds about the base of the scions or
those on the two-year-old wood are preferred. Where the buds
are small and in a cluster, several may be included in one set
and the thinning done after the growth starts."

[Illustration: FIG. 22. Chip Budding. Bud cut; Incision made; Bud in
place.]

GRAFTING.

_Cleft Grafting._ Having selected the branch for cleft grafting and the
point at which the scions are to be inserted, the branch should be
carefully and smoothly cut off. The limb is then split by using the
grafting iron. If rapid work is to be done, grafts should be prepared
beforehand and carried to the field, wrapped in damp paper. In preparing
the scion, a sloping cut should be made about one and one-half inches
long, cutting into the pith from a point one-half way up the cut down to
the lower end. On the opposite side, the cut should not be made to touch
the pith, but should be confined to woody tissue throughout its whole
length. The knife should have a keen, sharp edge. The cut should be
clean, smooth and straight, and the scion should be left wider on the
outer side. Start the cuts on each side of, and just at a bud, as shown
in Fig. 23. Having made the cleft, it is opened with the wedge on the
end of the grafting iron and the scion is placed in position. The
cambium layers should be in contact. Slip the scion well down until the
whole of the cut surface is within the cleft. If the stock is large
enough insert two scions. After inserting the scion it should be firmly
held in place by binding the stocks with strips of waxed cloth, after
which a covering of wax may be placed over the cloth. The cut end of the
stock should be covered, and if the scion be other than a terminal
shoot, its distal end should be waxed also.

[Illustration: Bul. 57, Fla. Exp. Sta.

FIG. 23. Cleft Grafting. 1. Scion. 2. Scion inserted ready for tying. 3.
Stock showing cleft.]

[Illustration: Bul. 57, Fla. Exp. Sta.

FIG. 24. Whip Grafting. 1. Stock showing cut. 2. Scion. 3. Stock and
Scion ready for bandage.]

_Whip Grafting._ Branches