1 20 PROPAGATION. 



plums, and peaches will mature first, and the 

 apple and pear later. No definite time can be 

 given, as different seasons will also vary the time. 

 It is better that the buds are from a cion that has 

 hardly matured its terminal bud. If at this time the 

 bark of the stock runs readily, and the work is per- 

 formed rightly there will be little danger of fail- 

 ure. 



If the stock is a thrifty one of one or two years 

 growth it is better, and is not generally successful 

 on larger stocks. In Fig. 4 is shown the stock with 

 the incision; the bud ready for inserting; and the 

 bud in position with the ligature properly fastened. 

 If the stock is in proper condition it will only be 

 necessary to raise the corners slightly as shown, 

 when the bud can be easily forced home. If the 

 bud should be of some of the very slender, weak 

 ones, like some of the chicasa plums, it may be 

 necessary to open the bark the full distance, in 

 which case the edges are carefully raised without 

 disturbing the cambium, or gelatinous matter under 

 the bark. Fig 5 shows a stick of buds ready for 

 the operator, the curved lines showing the proper 

 cut to be made. These buds must not be allowed 

 to become dry. Coarse woolen yarn is used much 

 for tying, but of late raffia is used altogether by 

 nurserymen. For the amateur it is not better than 

 the yarn. In about ten days this should be 

 removed to prevent its growing into the tree. 



This bud remains dormant till the next spring 

 when the stock is cut off with a sloping cut just 



