THE LIFELESS STUBS 97 



In respect to the welfare of the buds which are 

 near an open wound, the pictures seem to tell 

 contradictory stories. In Fig. 82, the bud is in 

 danger; but in Fig. 83, one wound healed over 

 because the bud was near it. These apparent 

 contradictions are explained by two circumstances. 

 The twig in Fig. 82 was on a newly-set, fall-planted 

 tree. The roots had not yet taken hold of the 

 soil, and could not supply the moisture which was 

 lost from the wound. The cell contents were 

 therefore injured. The twigs in Fig. 83 were on 

 well-established trees. Again, the cut in Fig. 82 

 was made in the fall, and those in Fig. 83 in late 

 winter. Conditions, therefore, greatly modify the 

 problem; but, as a rule, it may be said that in 

 severe and dry winter climates, and particularly 

 with tender fruits, heading -in of the annual 

 growths had better be done late in winter rather 

 than early in winter; and this is especially true 

 of recently fall -set trees. The healing of the 

 stub takes place most quickly, other things being 

 equal, when a strong bud or branch stands close 

 to the wound, provided, always, that this bud is 

 not injured by the drying out of the stub. How 

 long this stub may be and not cause injury to 

 come to the bud, depends, as we have seen, upon 

 circumstances. If the cut is made in spring, the 

 bud may usually stand close to the edge of the 

 wound; if it is made in winter, the stub should 

 usually be about a quarter of an inch long. In 



