Fig. 73. Saddle-graft.
Fig. 74. Splice-grafting.
Splice-Grafting.—The simplest form of grafting is that shown in [Fig. 74], in which the two parts are simply cut across diagonally and laid together. The parts are held only by the string, which, together with the wax, is applied in the same way as upon the whip-graft. Splice-grafting is frequently used upon soft or tender wood which will not admit of splitting. It is adapted only to small shoots.
Veneer-Grafting.—[Fig. 75] shows a style of grafting which is much used, particularly for ornamentals and for rare stocks which are grown in pots. An incision is made upon the stock just through the bark and about an inch long (A, [Fig. 75]), the bit of bark being removed by means of a downward sloping cut at its base. The base of the cion is cut off obliquely, and upon the longest side a portion of bark is removed, corresponding to the portion taken from the stock. The little tongue of bark on the stock covers the base of the cion, when it is set. The cion is tied tightly to the stock (B, [Fig. 75]), usually with raffia. This method of grafting makes no incision into the wood, and all the wounded surfaces are completely covered by the matching of the cion and stock. It is not necessary, therefore, to wax over the wounds, as a rule. The parts grow together quickly and uniformly, making a solid and perfect union as shown at D, [Fig. 75]. So far as the union of the parts is concerned, this is probably the ideal method of grafting. This method, which is nothing but the side-graft of the English gardeners with the most important condition of the longer tongue on the stock, is known by various names, but it is oftenest called veneer-grafting in this country.
