5S6 



GAKDEX MANAGEMENT. 



by the T, and push in the bud, first on one side then on the other, pushing 

 it gently under until two-thirds of it is under the bark, so that the eye of the 

 bud is exactly under the opening caused by the raised edges of the bark. 

 The upper part of the bud is now cut across, so as to fit it exactly into the 

 angle at which the bark of the stock was cut ; it is now bound up with worsted 

 or cotton thread, previously prepared. Tying commences at the bottom, 

 passing upward until the whole is covered except the eye of the bud ; some- 

 times a little damp moss or a leaf being tied over it for the sake of the 

 moisture it gives out. 



1855. Grafting is performed by cutting the top of the stock to a proper 

 height by a clean horizontal cut, and then make a longitudinal V -shaped cut 

 down the centre, one, two, or three inches long, according to the size of the 

 stock. In this slit place the graft, after having cut the lower end of it to fit 

 the cut in the stock. Having inserted it, bind the whole up with clay or 

 grafting-paste, as directed in budding. 



1856. It has been asked whether roses grafted are equal to budded ones. 

 Mr. Paul says, when the junction is perfect they are quite as good ; but the 

 scion and stock do not always coalesce, owing to which, more imperfect plants 

 are raised in this way than by budding. The best time for grafting roses in 

 pots is Januai-y ; and July, in ordinary seasons, is the best month for budding; 

 but that depends upon the season. Some operators prefer a moist gloomy day 



for the operation ; Mr. Saul, of the Durdham Downs 

 nursery, Bristol, prefers a fine bright day. 



1857. From three to five weeks after the operation, 

 according to the di'jmess of the season, it is necessaiy 

 to examine the bud and loosen the ligature which 

 binds it to the tree, otherwise the growth may be 

 checked. Budding with shooting eyes is performed in 

 spring, when the bark, both of stock and scion, runs 

 freely ; and the process consists in dividing the bark of 

 the stock in four or five longitudinal stripes, and draw- 

 ing it down so as to leave the upper part bare for the 

 reception of the ring of bark which contains the buds. 

 Before attempting to insert the scion, the stock will 

 be as represented in the engraving. Having selected a 

 scion a shade larger than the stock, with one or two 

 good eyes, hold it in the hand for a minute or two in 

 order to warm and expand the bark, which will then 

 be more easily detached by giving it a smart twist, or, 

 if it is difficult to move, by gently tapping it all round 

 with the smooth spatula or handle of the budding-knife. 

 The flute or tube, when separated, should be imme- 

 diately transferred to the naked part of the stock : should it be too lai-ge, 

 the bark is stripped down until the tube exactly fits the stock, and all its 

 interior surface is in contact with the albm-num. This eftected, the strips ara 



