Propagation. 39 



tree, and then placing the point upwards in a corresponding direc- 

 tion when making the upper cuts. The sharpened pieces or shoots 

 are then bent outwards in the middle until the points will enter 

 the openings, when they are firmly crowded in with the hand 

 until brought nearly straight, as shown in the figure. Fig. 44 a ex- 

 hibits a section of the tree and the exact position of these pieces 

 when inserted. Where a large number of trees are injured, four or 

 five pieces to each tree are enough. They will rapidly enlarge as 

 the tree grows, and in a few years become confluent. If a few 

 choice trees have been girdled, a larger number may be inserted, so 

 that they may be nearly in contact thus securing a complete cure 

 in a year or two. The work may be covered with grafting-wax or 

 with a small mound of earth perhaps the operation would be suc- 

 cessful without any covering. It is not necessary that it be perform- 

 ed very early in spring it will even answer after the buds have be- 

 gun to swell. 



IV. BUDDING. 



Budding consists in introducing the bud of one tree, with a por- 

 tion of bark and a little adhering wood, beneath the bark of another, 

 and upon the face of the newly forming wood. It must be per- 

 formed while the stock is in a state of vigorous growth. An inci- 

 sion is made lengthwise through the bark of the stock, and a small 

 cut at right angles at the top, the whole somewhat resembling the 

 letter T, Fig. 45. A bud is then taken from a shoot of the present 

 year's growth, by shaving off the bark an inch or an inch and a half 

 in length, with a small part of the wood directly beneath the bud. 

 FTgT 46.* The edges of the bark, at the incision in the stock, are 

 then raised a little, Fig. 47, and the bud pushed downwards under 

 the bark, Fig. 48. A bandage of bass, corn-husk, or other sub- 

 stance, is wrapped round, covering all parts but the bud. The 

 pressure should be just sufficient to keep the inserted portion 

 cToseTy"tb the stock, but not such as to bruise or crush the bark, 

 Fig. 49. 



The shoots containing the buds should be cut when so mature as 

 to be rather firm and hard in texture ; they are usually in the best 

 condition after the terminal bud has formed. To prevent withering, 

 the leaves must be immediately cut off, as they withdraw and exhale 

 rapidly the moisture from the shoot ; about one-quarter of an i inch^ 



* It is not a common practice in this country to take the thin shield of wood out of the 

 bud, but it is sometimes done advantageously when this portion of wood is too old or hard 

 to fit the stock readily. 



