Tongue-Grafting
Another name applied to Grafting by the whip or splice method--that most generally practised in this country, and with the greatest success when stock and scion are both small and of about an equal size. When preparing the two surfaces that are to fit together, a small, thin tongue is cut in an upward direction in the scion, and also a notch the opposite way in the stock, corresponding in size as near as can be judged. In fitting the two together, the notch may be kept open with a knife, and the tongue should be carefully inserted. It acts as a great support to the scion, and materially aids in keeping the latter in position while the bandage is put on, and until the parts unite. By cutting a tongue in this way, and fitting it properly, there are also additional surfaces that may grow together and render the union still more complete. See also Grafting.