xperimenting with trees is not only as good as a puzzle, but is
of great value. To make a wild apple tree with its gnarly, little sour
apples into a really truly, well-behaved tree bearing good fruit is
worth while, is it not? Grafting is not only a method of improvement but
of taming stock, which is after all improvement.

"There are certain necessary precautions to take in this operation of
grafting; for this, like budding, is a surgical operation.

"In all woody branches the outer layer is the bark; next comes the green
layer. Between this layer and the real wood is a mass of fibres which go
by the name of 'cambium'. The cambium layer of the stock and the scion
must be one against the other in grafting in order that the sap may flow
freely as before. This layer of cambium might be likened to our blood
system. The two cambium layers must be pressed closely together so that
the operation may be successful. And finally no cut surface should be
left exposed to the air. It is air, you know, that plays havoc with
flesh wounds. More and more we see that tree doctors have a work
something like our own physicians.

"Grafting is usually done in the spring--in March or April--about the
time sap begins to flow. The grafts or scions may be cut before this.
Choose the tree from which you wish to take a scion. You choose it
because of its fine-flavoured, sound fruit. Perhaps the fruit is
especially large, too. Size of fruit, however, does not denote fine
fruit. I once had an apple that weighed a pound. It was a beauty, fair
to look upon. But what a tasteless, pithy piece of fruit it was.
Appearances in fruit are often deceitful. The scions were to be of the
last year's growth with two or more buds. The shoots should be clean,
healthy and vigorous. You must transmit no disease along with the
scions. These may be cut off in January or February, and stuck into the
soil for about four to six inches. Keep away from direct sunlight. The
buds of scions cut at this time are dormant as they should be.

"Grafting is named according to the manner in which the scion is put
into the stock. There is whip grafting, and cleft grafting. Whip
grafting is sometimes spoken of as tongue grafting.

"This latter method is accomplished in this way: Suppose you have a
scion in your hand. Cut across the end of it diagonally. Use a sharp
knife for this, and make a clean cut, as I now cut across this twig.
About two-thirds of the distance back from the na