I call it grafting wax, though its use in grafting is a small part of its proper use. It is to cover wounds of plants, that they may heal. For in curing vegetable wounds, as in curing the wounds of animals, we can only exclude the oxygen and bacteria, that nature may do her work. Hence the small fruit grower or florist will frequently find it advantageous to use this wax. For that matter, it is a good salve for your own cuts ; and especially for the deep cracks that come in some fingers working in damp earth. First wash the hands clean, very clean, to get the dirt out of the cracks. The wax will exclude air and dirt, and give the cracks a chance to heal. So when applying it to our cuts or bruises on plants, shrubs or trees, make the surfaces clean and cut off any ragged wood or bark.

The ingredients are : Rosin, four parts (by weight); beeswax, two parts ; beef tallow, one part. Mutton tallow may be used, but is not so good, I have known some to use lard, but I cannot recommend it. Some think linseed oil better than tallow, and it may be if perfectly pure.

Heat the ingredients in a kettle over a slow fire for thirty minutes, stirring them that they may be thoroughly mixed. Then pour the mixture into cold water, and "pull" it as you would molasses candy, until it is quite light colored. Make into rolls half an inch in diameter and six inches long, and keep in a cool, dry place. If you use it in cold weather, soften it by putting it in lukewarm water ; if in warm weather, it will work better if first put in cold water. After you have it, you will be surprised how often you will have good use for it. Perhaps the best name for it is salve for plants. I have always used it and my father used it before me, so I know that it is good. - S. M. J.