does not smoke, and is dexterously applied, I think we
can feel safely that it cannot be too hot. But if applied with a heavy
hand it may be too hot even at a temperature so low that it will not
spread.

_Season for Grafting_

According to Dr. Morris nut trees can be grafted successfully in any
month of the year. But practically I think that grafting will be limited
to that part of the year during which the cambium layer of the stock is
active. At other times of the year preservation of the vitality of the
scion will be too problematical, it seems to me, even if it is very
carefully waxed. However, I may be mistaken. At any rate grafting is not
very pleasant work out of doors in very cold weather. The success of
bench grafting would be an argument for the success of dormant season
grafting out of doors.

_After Care_

Without thoughtful after care the labor of topworking will almost
certainly be lost. There are many ways in which the grafts can be lost
but the two commonest are by being choked, or inhibited, by growth from
the stock, and by being blown out by the wind. All new growth from the
stock must be rigorously prevented. Grafts often make so heavy a growth
that, if not blown out by the wind, they will be dragged out by their
own weight. Consequently they must often be supported. When the grafts
are in, or near, the trunk of the stock, and not too high, the handiest
method of support is to cut a sapling of proper length, sharpen the
butt, stick this into the ground at the base of the stock, and tie it in
two places to the stock. When the grafts are too far out or too high for
this method laths or slats or sticks may be tied or nailed to the
branches. Support is likely to be even more necessary in the second
season when the growth is often astonishing.

Bud worms will sometimes destroy your graft just as it is starting, but
they are easily found if looked for. With my conditions the most harm by
insects is done by the night feeding beetles, which are particularly
exasperating as morning after morning you watch the progress of their
destructive work without ever seeing them. Bagging is the only
preventive and it pays to use bags when a particular graft is cherished.

_Is Topworking Hickories Worth While?_

Up to the present time it is the surest and easiest way, practically the
only way, of getting good results with the hickories, excepting the
pecan. The root systems of the native stocks are well est