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Outdoor Problems of the Householder: Whip

Whip Grafting. -The style known as whip grafting is the one almost universally used in root grafting. It has the advantage of being well adapted to small plants only 1 or 2 years of age. It can be done in- C Cuttings: (a) Simple cutting; (b) heel cutting; (c) mallet cutting; (d) single-eye cutting. (L. C. Corbett.) portion of the stub. Split the exposed end with a broad, thin chisel or grafting tool. Then with a wedge, or the wedge-shaped prong at the end of the grafting tool, spread the cleft so that the scion may be inserted as shown in the illustrations. The scion should consist of a portion of the previous season's growth and should be long enough to have two or three buds. The lower end of the scion, which is to be inserted into the cleft, should be cut into the shape of a wedge, having the outer edge thicker than the other. In general, it is a good plan to cut the scion so that the lowest bud will come just at the top of this wedge. Thus it will be near the top of the stock.

The advantage of cutting the wedge thicker on one side is shown in the illustration. This shows how the pressure of the stock is brought upon C Whip grafting: (a) The stock; (b) the scion; (c) stock and scion united. (L. C. Corbett.) doors during the comparative leisure of winter.

To Make a Whip Graft.-Cut the stock off diagonally with one long smooth cut with a sharp knife.

Leave about three-fourths of an inch of cut surface, as illustrated. Place the knife about one-third of the distance from the end of the cut surface at right angles to the cut, and split the stock in the direction of its long axis. Cut the lower end of the scion in like manner. When the two are forced together, as shown in the illustration, the cut surfaces will fit neatly, and, if the scion and stock are of the same size, one will nearly cover the other. A difference in diameter of the two parts to be united may be disregarded unless it be too great.

After the scion and stock have been locked together they should be wrapped with five or six turns of waxed cotton to hold the parts firmly.

While top grafting may be done in this way, it is in root grafting that the whip graft finds its distinctive field. When the roots are cut into lengths of from 2 to 5 or 6 inches to be used as stocks, the operation is known as piece-root grafting. Sometimes the entire root is used. The roots are dug and the scions are cut in the autumn and stored.

The work of grafting may be done during the winter months. When the operation has been completed, the grafts are packed away in moss, sawdust or sand, in a cool cellar, to remain until spring. It is important that the place of storage be cool, else the grafts may start into growth and be ruined, or heating and rotting may occur. If the temperature is kept low-not above 40° F. - there will be no growth except callousing and the knitting together of stock and scion.

In ordinary propagation by means of whip grafts, the scion is cut with about three buds, the stock being nearly as long as the scion.

The grafted plant is so set as to bring the union of stock and scion below the surface of the ground.

When whip grafting is employed above the ground, the wound must be protected, as in cleft grafting, either with a mass of grafting wax or a bandage of waxed muslin.

Grafting Wax.-A good grafting wax may be made of the following ingredients: Resin, 4 parts; beeswax, 2 parts; tallow or linseed oil, 1 part by weight. If a harder wax is needed, 5 parts of resin and 2 of beeswax may be used with 1 part of tallow.

Break the resin and beeswax up fine and melt together with the tallow. When thoroughly melted pour the liquid into a vessel of cold water.

When hard enough to handle take it out, pull and work it until it becomes tough and has the color of very light-colored manila paper. To apply wax by hand grease the hands well with tallow. Or apply the wax with a hot brush. But take care to avoid injury.

Spread the wax carefully over all cut or exposed surfaces and press closely, so that upon cooling it will form a sleek coating impenetrable to air or moisture.

To prepare waxed string put a ball of No. 18 knitting cotton into a kettle of melted grafting wax. In five minutes it will be thoroughly saturated. It will remain in condition for use indefinitely.