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 they are not so easily prepared, and of no more utility than the elay. Grafting can be performed close to the ground, and earth drawn up round the junction, which will be as serviceable as clay.

Cleft Grafting (Fig. 19) is another method of operating upon large trees, or stocks, where the bark or rind is not too thick. The head of the stock, or branch, being cut off smoothly, a slit is made in the top of the stock with a strong knife or chisel, deep enough to receive the scion, which should be cut sloping, like a wedge, so as to fit the slit made in the stock. The wedge side, which is to be placed outward, is to be made thicker than the other; and in placing the scion into the slit, it must be so adjusted that the rind or inner bark of the scion joins that of the stock; for if these do not unite, the grafts will not succeed. When the stocks are large, two grafts may be put in, (as represented in the figure,) which tie firmly and clay over, as directed for Whip Grafting. As there will be a greater body of clay, in this case, it will be more liable to fall off; it will therefore be necessary to wrap moss, soft hay, or pieces of cloth round the balls, to prevent the rain destroying them. There are many other methods of grafting, all on the same principle differently applied. Some of our amateur correspondents, particularly John A. Crawford, Esq., of Columbia, S. C., takes large limbs two or three inches in diameter, and five to ten feet long, and grafts them into other stocks. These limbs produce fruit the same season. Root grafting is also practised to a considerable extent. Trees and stocks for grafting upon should always be fully established before being operated upon, having had at least one season's growth. Farmers may graft in every field and hedge-row, and by every fence-rail. Fruit trees require no more room than the cumberers of the ground in the shape of saplings, briars, and thorns. Fruits make an ample return, 7*