Page:The Olive Its Culture in Theory and Practice.djvu/84

68 at about eighteen inches from their spring. Then, cut through the bark to the wood, in a vertical line, about two and three-quarter inches long.

Cut the lower part of the graft in a pointed form, with a notch on the upper part. Raise the bark of the stock, and introduce the graft, between the bark and the wood; surround with a bandage, and cover with mastic. This sort of grafting is used for old olive trees. If more than one is used, a clear space of three inches should be left between each.

The piece cut from the bark to form the graft is most frequently in the form of a shield. This piece of bark must have upon it, near its center, an eye or bud. These grafts, are especially used for young stocks, or branches from one to four years old, having thin, smooth, and tender bark. Shield grafting, with a dormant bud, is practiced towards the end of the summer, according to the vegetation of the subject. The head of the stock must not be cut off until the following spring, when it will be seen whether the graft bud has been successful. The following are the principal points to be attended to. 1st—Cut from the olive tree a branch having some leaves, or eyes at its base, or buds well developed. Take off the leaves, leaving