666 



Journal of Af/riculture, Victoria. [15 Nov., 1919. 



A single robust pear bud possesses all the factors necessary for 

 producing a pear tree in the same way as the greater number in the 

 case of the top-graft. 



The operation of budding is performed while the sap is in an active 

 condition, while, of course, grafting is done when the sap movement is 

 commencing in the early spring. 



The selection of buds for best results is not confined only to those 

 from good-bearing trees, but the physical quality of the buds themselves 

 must also be considered. As the young wood from which the buds are taken 

 is not as a rule fully matured at the time of budding, care must be exer- 

 cised in choosing good, healthy buds from present season's wood. It will 

 generally be found that the two or three buds nearest the base of the slioot 



are not wcdl developed, and these, as Avell as those at tlie terminal part of 

 the shoot, should be discarded for budding purposes in favour of the 

 better-matured buds usually found on the intermediate part. All flat 

 or doubtful buds should also be rejected. 



It will usually be found that the wood of established orchard trees 

 is more matured at budding time than that of nursery trees, and for 

 this, and the other reasons already mentioned, the former should be 

 selected, where possible, to provide the buds. 



Generally late in February, or during March, according to climatic 

 conditions, is the best time for budding operations to be performed. 



