More than two hundred methods of grafting are described by the horticultural artists of France, a large share of them being curious rather than useful. Grafting by approach is an operation easily performed, and, in some cases, preferable to any other. Its peculiarity is in the fact, that the scion is not separated from the parent stool until after its union with the stock, or that the stems of two trees are united, while each retains its original roots.

The history of approach grafting may be traced back to a remote antiquity. Those who first practised it, probably followed a hint furnished by nature. In the forest, we sometimes meet with examples~of grafting by accidental approach. Two branches crossing each other, are rubbed together by the wind, until the bark is mutually removed at the points of contact. A period of calm weather follows, and the two branches unite. The roots of trees frequently grow together in like manner.

In the process of grafting by approach, the steps to be taken are these: 1. Remove a part of the bark and wood from each of the branches that are to be joined. These wounds should answer to each other in shape and size; should be neatly cut; and should reach through the sap wood, and sometimes even to the pith.

2. The wounded parts should be brought together, so that they shall exactly cover each other, and touch at all points.

3. The united branches are to be kept firmly together by means of ligatures and props.

4. Grafting wax should be applied, to keep out air and moisture.

5. The scion should not be separated from the stool until its union with the stock is complete. This will ordinarily happen at the end of a year. Sometimes, when the parts unite reluctantly, the ligatures should be allowed to remain until the end of a second year.

It is in favor of this kind of grafting that it can be performed in midsummer. The opening of spring is, however, the most propitious time.

In forming live palisades or hedges, grafting by approach is especially useful. Young trees or shrubs with straight and flexible stems, are planted near to each other in rows, and then so bent that they cross each other after the manner of lattice-work. At the points of intersection, wounds are made as above described, and the stems are kept firmly together by means of ligatures and wax. In time, the interstices of this trellis-work will be filled up with small shoots, and the whole will form a living hedge more compact and impenetrable than any other. The most favorable subjects for this kind of grafting are the hornbeam, beech, elm, privet, willow, and their like.

When fruit-trees are to be grafted by the approach method, the subject must be planted beside a stool, or placed near to it in a pot.

In other respects, the process will be similar. At the end of a year, the head of the subject can be cut off just above the point of contact, and the graft just below. The subject is then removed to its permanent place. It is only in rare cases that fruit growers will resort to this troublesome method.

Grafting By Approach #1

One of the fancy ways of doing a very necessary piece of work. When a man wants something to keep him-out of mischief, and hasn't a pile of shingles at hand for whittling, he may set himself to " grafting by approach.?'

Grafting By Approach #2

Grafting by approach is a very simple method of uniting any two stems or branches. The time for performing the operation is the same as that of grafting, that is, early in the spring, just before growth commences. The bark and a small portion of the wood should be removed at the point where the union is to be formed, and the two branches or stems made to join evenly, then tied firmly together, so that the point of junction shall be immovable.