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^ropaffation by Huddmg, 



Propagation by Budding. 



4 S the season for budding approaches, we presume a chapter on the subject will be 

 -^ acceptable and timely to such of our readers as have not familiarized themselves 

 with this interesting and useful art. As an aid in multiplying established and valu- 

 able varieties, budding is an art at once valuable and fascinating to the intelligent 

 and progressive fruit grower. Aside from the propagation of fruits, every lady should 

 have, under her especial care, at least a few rose bushes, and should understand how 

 to multiply her stock by this light and fine accomplishment so easily acquired. For 

 the speedy and sure propagation of trees and shrubs, budding has some decided 

 advantages over grafting. It requires only a single bud ; and if a bud fails the first 

 time, the operation may be repeated the same season. Or, if an entire failure one 

 season, the growth of the stock is not lost. 



Budding consists in introducing the bud of one tree, with a portion of the bark, 

 and with, or without, a little adhering wood, beneath the bark of another tree. The 

 work should be done while the stock is in a state of vigorous growth. Shoots of the 

 current year's growth, containing the buds, should also be cut, when so mature as to 

 be rather firm and hard in texture — usually in the best condition after the terminal 

 bud has been formed. If taken off before, the best ripened buds, near the base of 

 the shoot only, are suitable. To prevent withering, cut the leaves oflF, for if not 

 removed, they speedily absorb the moisture from the shoot, and thereby weaken the 

 vitality of the bud. Leave about one-fourth inch of the foot-stalks of the leaves, 

 when cutting them off, to serve as handles to the buds while inserting them. After 

 being thus divested of the leaves (fig. 1), they may be safely kept for some days in a 

 cool, damp place, or sent a long distance in damp moss, or carefully encased in very 

 thin oil cloth. On the question of taking out or leaving in the wood that is cat oif 

 with buds, there is a difi"erence of opinion. On this point we take middle ground — 



Fig. 1. 



ii'i 



that is, in budding early, or, when the bud-shoots are comparatively immature, leave 

 the wood in, but when well matured take it out or leave a very thin piece attached. 

 Buds set very early or very late, when the bark of the bud does not separate freely 

 from the wood, should, perhaps, have it left in, but in all cases we have found it 



