used for several
years. It can be used only during the growing season when the bark will
slip. It is very successful, whether put in at the top of a cut off
stock, or inserted in the side of a limb or the trunk. It is not
convenient to use unless the scion is considerably smaller than the
stock. The scion is cut with a scarf, or bevel, on one side only. When
the slot is to be made in the top of a cut off stock two vertical cuts
are made through the bark, as far apart as the scion is wide, the tongue
of bark thus formed is raised slightly at the top, and the point of the
scion is inserted, cut surface toward the center of the tree, and pushed
down firmly into place. The superfluous part of the tongue of bark is
then cut off. By slightly undercutting the edges of the slot, and
slightly tapering it toward the bottom, the scion may be wedged, or
dovetailed, in place so as to be very firm. It is even possible to
dispense with tying, sometimes, but better not to do so.

When the slot is to be made in the side of a limb or trunk the same
procedure is followed except that it is necessary before making the slot
to remove a notch of bark, at right angles to the axis of the trunk, so
as to free the upper end of the tongue of bark.

The bark slot graft is the easiest of all and readily mastered once the
grafter learns to shape a true scion. It is much better than the old
bark graft where the bark of the stock is forced away from the wood
leaving considerable space to be filled or covered.

These two forms of graft, the side graft, of which Mr. Jones's modified
cleft graft is only a variation, as before stated, and the bark slot, in
its two variations as described, will meet all needs in topworking
hickory trees.

Finally, prevention of desiccation of the graft is obtained by waxing. I
have found Dr. Morris's method with melted paraffine satisfactory. The
addition of raw pine gum, as advocated by Dr. Morris is undoubtedly an
advantage under certain conditions, described by him, but I have not yet
used it. The melted parowax is applied to the whole graft and wrapping,
leaving no cut surface exposed and the whole scion being covered. If the
paraffine is at just the right temperature it will spread at a touch,
covering the surfaces without danger of scalding. It is much more
effective thus applied than if colder and daubed on. The thicker the
waxing the more likely to crack and separate. If the paraffine smokes it
is too hot. If it