operation. It is then only necessary, in order to bring about a speedy
union, that the parts grafted should be cut so as to fit each other
properly, and then bound or in some way fastened together so that they
will remain in close contact with each other till a union is effected. A
close atmosphere and, if possible, a little shade should be afforded the
worked plants till the grafts have taken. The ligature used should not
be bound round the graft too tightly, or it will prevent the flow of the
sap; if bound tightly enough to hold the parts together and to prevent
their slipping, that will be found quite sufficient.

Epiphyllums are treated as follows: Cuttings of Pereskia are rooted and
grown on to the required size, and in the month of September they are
headed down, the tops being used as cuttings. Grafts of Epiphyllum are
then prepared by cutting them to the required length, usually about
6 in., and removing a thin slice of the fleshy stem on each side so as to
form a flat wedge. The stem of Pereskia is then split down about 1 in.
with a sharp knife, and into this the wedge of the graft is inserted,
and fastened either by means of a small pin passed through the stem and
graft about half-way up the slit, or by binding round them a little
worsted or matting, the former being preferred. The worked plants are
then placed in a close handlight or propagating frame, having a
temperature of about 75 degs., where they are kept moist by sprinkling
them daily with water; they must be shaded from bright sunlight. As soon
as a union has been effected, which will be seen by the grafts beginning
to grow, the ligature and pin should be removed, and the plants
gradually hardened off by admitting air to the box, till finally they
may be removed to the house where it is intended to grow them. In a
cottage window this operation may be successfully performed if a box
with a movable glass top, or a large bell glass, be used to keep the
grafts close till they have taken.