84 PEOPAGATION. 



Roses we possess. Why? Because the trade set to 

 work to improve it, and by selection in bud and stock 

 built up the flower we have to-day. 



If, therefore, you want good results, try to always 

 propagate from the best, and dismiss from your brain 

 the idea that any bud will do or that any stock will 

 serve. 



The buddingf of Roses can be carried on as long" 

 as you can find buds, and your stocks are in a right 

 condition, but undoubtedly the best months are July 

 and August. Buds are in fit condition for budding 

 a day or two after a flower has been removed, and 

 stocks are best for working a day or two after a heavy 

 storm of rain. But to work, and in imagination let 

 us proceed to collect our buds and carry through the 

 delicate operation of budding upon stocks, standard 

 and dwarf. All that is required is a good sharp bud- 

 ding knife and a bundle of raffia cut to a foot length 

 and tied round the middle. If there is much work to 

 be done it is handy to tie the bundle of raffia to the 

 waist, so that a length can be slipped out as required. 

 A good budding knife is a great asset ; I have always 

 got mine from the Army and Navy Stores, who have 

 a splendid selection. I know of no better gift to 3, 

 gardening friend than a good budding knife; they are 

 dainty to look at and giants for work. I am never 

 without one in my pocket, and during the war my 

 Vudding knife was one of my best friends. Armed, 

 then, with such simple requirements, we inspect our 

 trees and select those shoots containing buds from one 

 to six eyes that promise to supply our needs. As each 

 shoot is cut remove the upper part of the leaf, allow- 

 ing f of an inch of leaf stalk to remain, remove also 

 the thorns, then write your label and tie label and 

 shoots together, and if the weather is dry and the sun 

 fierce, the bundles are best placed in a bucket of 

 water. The removal at once of leaves helps to pre- 

 serve the bud, for a certain amount of evaporation 

 always goes on through the leaves of a plant, and 

 although the supply of moisture is replaced by stand- 

 ing the shoots in w\iter, yet the natural resources are 



