PROPAGATION . 121 



above the bud, when it develops into the branch 

 or future tree. In rapid growing varieties, and in 

 strong stocks it will be necessary to give these 

 some support or they will break off by a very 

 moderate wind. Staking with the stock that is 

 cut from above the graft, and tying to it is prac- 

 ticed by many. 



Spring Budding. The advantages of this are 

 that work that failed the past summer can be re- 

 newed without loss of time, and the buds are de- 

 veloped soon after being set. 



The buds should be cut in fall or winter and 

 kept absolutely dormant till they are to be set. 

 This is done by packing them in the sawdust of 

 the ice-house, as soon in the spring as there is 

 danger of growth taking place. Keep them nearly 

 dry, or as near as possible in their natural condi- 

 tion, and only take them out as fast as they are 

 used. They are not set till the tree is in leaf, say 

 about the first of June, when the young shoots 

 have made an inch or two of growth. If in small 

 stocks they should receive some injury to check 

 the too rapid flow of sap at the time the bud is set. 

 Some cut a notch about % of the diameter directly 

 above the bud, while others seize the stock with 

 both hands and give it a twisting, or green stick 

 fracture. In about ten days the stock is cut off 

 and the buds treated as described above. 



Plums, cherries, peaches, pears, and many 

 flowering shrubs are propagated almost entirely by 

 budding, while grafting is used for the apple, 



