(,6: 



Journal of Agriculture. Vicioria. [lo Oct., 1911. 



time. It is surprising how large a stock or bough can be cut off with a 

 small bladed knife with very little exertion. 



When cutting off, the operator will be able to hold several cut tops in 

 his hand without inconveniencing him in his work. These should be placed 

 in the alleys between the lands, so that digging, scarifying, or other neces- 

 sary work may be proceeded with at once. Failing alleys, place in heaps 

 between and parallel with the rows, using one or two rows in a land for 

 this purpose. Tie in bundles and carry out to the headlands where they 

 can be burnt or carted away. 



When cutting off, care must be exerci.sed in seeing that a stock carry- 

 ing a dead or injured bud is not operated upon. Any stock with such a 

 bud is left untouched for future use, i.e., for grafting. With mo.st buds 

 that have taken, i.e., where unity between the stock and bud is perfect, 

 they have a fresh plump appearance. But, if the operator is uncertain, he 

 should test by scratching the bark slightly with the point of the knife either 

 above the bud, or upon the node; the latter test is the surest. Cherry buds 

 are very deceptive at times. The node and shield may be alive, but the 



luid itself, although look- 

 ing fresh and retaining 

 its colour, will be dead. 

 The writer followed the 

 practice of not cutting the 

 cherry stocks until the sap 

 was starting to rise and 

 the buds showed signs of 

 swelling. At this period, 

 cutting off and ground 

 grafting can bi- carried 

 out at the same time. 



\\'hen cutting off, re- 

 move any binding remain- 

 ing about the bud or 

 around the stock. Fig. 37 

 {a, b. and c) illustrates 

 37. HEADED BACK BUDDED STOCKS. common types of cut-off" 



budded stocks. The cut in 

 Fig.^ 37a is made too far below and above the bud ; the result is that the 

 portion of the stock left above forces the bud when growing into almost 

 an oblique position, besides dying back to the bud and preventing healing 

 taking place across the wound. In Fig. 37/7. this cut is made .straight 

 across the stock and upon a level with the top of the bud. This is 

 also faulty; the probable result is a growth with a crooked stem near 

 the junction of bud and stock. This wound also takes a long time to 

 heal across. 



Fig. 37^ illustrates the proper method of cutting. Not onlv Avill the 

 wound heal quickly, but the closer an upward cut is made to a bud, with- 

 out causing injury, the more vertical will- be its growth. Under no con- 

 dition, should secateurs be used for performing this work. As there is no 

 occupation in the nursery so severe upon the hands as cutting off, it is a 

 good plan before beginning to bind the handle of the knife with tliin 

 rubber. 



The first stocks to be cut off will be the plums, i.e., if the tops are 

 required for making cuttings. Then will follow the other stone fruits, 

 apples being the last. After cutting off is finished, carefully remove from: 



