Cleft-grafting. In this mode, which is a very objectionable one in many respects, the stock has to be split open by a chisel or other instrument, and the scion cut wedge-shaped, and fitted in the cleft, so that the inner barks may meet each other. The plan is largely adopted in some parts of the country for woody deciduous trees and plants with old stocks, which are split across, sometimes transversely each way, and two or more grafts inserted, according to the size. The objection is, that the wide cleft necessarily made in the solid wood can never unite again in the centre, although, after some time, it may be partially covered by the scions growing over. Another form of Cleft-grafting is shown in Fig. 138, where stock and scion are of the same size. This also has some objections, the stock having to be split and fitted with a wedge a, formed on the end of the scion. The cleft invariably extends beyond where it is intended the graft should reach, and, if this happens, the latter, when fitted, prevents that portion of the stock from again becoming united. The stock and scion should be prepared so that all the parts coincide.