22 THE KANSAS PEACH. 



Each bud intended to be used should \3e loosened up in this way be- 

 fore commencing operations. A horizontal cut just above the bud. 

 when ready for insertion, separates it from the budding stick. The 

 most common form of incision in the stock is that known as the T 

 cut. The laterals of the young stock are usually cut ofp for a few 

 inches from the ground, and about two inches from the surface a 

 horizontal cut some three-eighths of an inch long is made with the 

 budding-knife, followed by a vertical cut half an inch long, leaving an 

 incision in the form of a T. The corners of the bark along the 

 vertical cut are then loosened (generally with the edge of the budding- 

 knife, sometimes with its handle), the bud inserted, and pressed 

 down with the back of the budding-knife until the square upper end 

 slips in under the horizontal cut. The bud is then tied in jjlace with 

 raffia, baste, or some other convenient binding material, and the 

 process is complete. ( See figs. 1 and 2.) 



Some budders, instead of tying the raffia, make an angular inci- 

 sion in the stock a half an inch above the bud and force the end of 

 the raffia into this cut. This is somewhat more expeditious than 

 tying, and holds as tightly ; but it is apt to cause a flow of sap, pro- 

 ducing a gummy mass which sometimes proves injurious to the bud. 

 A method of winter budding, which may prove valuable in our lati- 

 tude, has been practiced by Prof. R. H. Price, of the Texas experi- 

 ment station, with great success. Its importance consists in the fact 

 that it enables the operator to do this work at a season when he is not 

 so pres.sed for time as during the summer. Professor Price describes 

 his operation as follows : 



"The method as used at the station here consists in cutting a slip 

 of bark, with some wood attached, down the tree about one inch, leav- 

 ing it attached at the lower end. About half this .slip is then cut off, 

 leaving the other half still attached to the tree. Cut off the bud, 

 leaving some wood also attached to it to prevent injury, and then 

 carefully place it between the slip and tree so that it will fit nicely 

 and the cambium of the bud and tree come in contact. Tie tightly 

 with .some good material, such as raffia. In five or six days the bud 

 will be found to have knit firmly. Treat them as though budded in 

 the usual way." (See fig. 3.) 



Profe.s.sor Price has employed this process in the month of Janu- 

 ary without the loss of a single bud. He ascribes its first use in this 

 country to Professor Ness, of the Texas station, but admits that he 

 has since discovered that it is a modification of a method practiced 

 years ago in Europe. Should it prove as successful in Georgia as in 

 Texas, it will be of decided value to our nurserymen. 



