Ligatures
In nearly all the methods of budding and grafting, a Ligature, or bandage, is necessary for keeping the bud or scion firmly on the stock, and preserving the separated tissues from the action of the atmosphere, which otherwise would soon have an injurious effect. The sort of Ligature, and its strength, depend a good deal on what it has to bind,. When stocks are large, and possibly grafted on a system requiring splitting, the Ligature must be strong, and bound tightly; but when the bark only is raised, a pressure sufficient to keep the parts slightly compressed will be enough. Various substances are used for Ligatures, the best being those which expand and contract least under the influence of changeable weather, and also allow of an expansion in the stock without cutting or injuring it. Woollen thread answers well on small stocks, either for budding or grafting. A good Ligature for bandaging large stocks is lime-tree bark, as prepared for manufacturing ropes. It should be dipped in water, and then divided out; but no material of this description should be twisted before being used. Ordinary Russian mats are very serviceable, as the softer parts of them answer the purpose equally as well for many plants as a more expensive material. A Ligature should be carefully applied with both hands, so soon as possible after the graft or bud is inserted. It should be rolled spirally round the cut surfaces, and drawn tight enough, at every turn, to keep all the parts firmly in position. Whatever the material used as a Ligature may be, it should be examined occasionally after being applied, and gradually loosened and removed when a complete union of the parts is effected.