“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 narrow or more pointed end of the cut make a vertical cut of about an inch right up into the scion.  Cut the stock in a similar way.  Then insert the tongue of the stock into the slit of the scion.  Press these together carefully.  Bind with raffia.  Whenever this work is done outdoors, as it would be in the case of any of you who try this experiment, the union must be sealed over.  As official documents are sealed with wax, so this union is legally sealed in wax.  One can buy a regular grafting wax.  Sometimes people mix clay and grease together.  That is simple, but pretty sticky sounding.

“Realgrafting wax is made this way:  To two parts of beeswax, add four of resin.  Melt these together with one pound of tallow or linseed oil.  When all are melted together, pour into cold water.  Pull like molasses candy until it is light coloured.  One’s fingers should be greased to apply this wax properly.