Whip, Splice, or Tongue-grafting. This is the best method, and the one generally and most extensively practised in this country. It is represented in Fig. 136, where A shows the stock, B the scion, and C the two fitted together and tied. Whip-grafting is easily performed, and is tolerably certain in its effects, provided the essential conditions be insured, and the work carefully executed. The stock should not be removed until the graft is ready to be inserted, in order that the parts may be quite fresh. It should be cut in a sloping direction, just above a bud if possible, as this sometimes prevents the old wood from dying back. The scion (B) should then be similarly cut through obliquely from d to e, allowing the latter point to be quite thin. Next, a thin tongue, f, must be cut in an upward direction, and the scion will then be ready for insertion. The stock should now be cut in a corresponding manner, so that the tongue fits in its place, and the inner barks come into direct contact with each other when pressed together. Where there is a difference in the sizes of the two parts used, the scion must be placed a little on one side, to insure a union being effected at some part of its surface. The notch should be kept open by the point of a knife until the tongue is properly inserted. When the exposed parts have been fitted as accurately as possible, they should be bound with a ligature of woollen thread, or material of a like description, to hold everything firmly in position, and at once covered with clay or grafting wax, for excluding air and preventing the sun and wind from drying up the sap.