,,6 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



the point of union, and is always the same in character as the tree from which the 

 bud is taken. 



A bud succeeds best when inserted on a shoot of the same year's growth, for the 

 juices of both are nearly in the same state of elaboration, and because the wounds then 

 heal more quickly by the descending current, A certain degree of maturity is, however, 

 necessary, for buds of the walnut taken in the ordinary way invariably fail, whilst the 

 small basal buds almost concealed in the bark at the base of the annual growths "take " 

 readily in the upper part of the preceding year's wood ; but it is absolutely essential, 

 with the exception of the walnut, that the bud and stock be in nearly the same state of 

 elaboration. This method of raising trees is extensively practised in large nurseries, and 

 in most cases it is preferable to purchase such established trees as the cultivator requires, 

 as they produce fruit much quicker than he could obtain it by propagating his own. 

 There is more or less uncertainty attached to all propagation, but the process under 

 notice should be understood by all cultivators, and it may be practised with every chance 

 of success by the uninitiated if needful care is taken in performing the work, as shown 

 in illustrations on page 119. 



Budding is performed as soon as mature buds are found on the summer shoots. 

 This is usually past midsummer, July and August being the usual budding months. It 

 is best done in moist weather, as in very dry weather the bark of the stock will not 

 separate freely, and the evaporation is excessive. Medium-sized shoots afford the best 

 buds, the top and basal parts being respectively too soft and over-ripe. Gross shoots 

 have large buds, soft and immature ; weakly shoots have small buds, too uncertain and 

 difficult to manipulate. It is essential that the bud be on wood about half ripe, plump, 

 and having no further growth to make beyond maturing. Wood buds are imperative. 

 They are easily distinguished as being long, thin, and pointed, fruit buds being thick, 

 round, and blunt, except in apricots, which have flat wood buds, the blossom buds being 

 bolder and somewhat pointed. Where there are two or three buds at a joint one of the 

 number is usually a wood bud. This applies to the apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach, 

 and plum : therefore such buds may be taken for insertion. 



The shoots of all kinds of fruit from which the buds are to be taken must be 

 healthy, and the more quickly they are inserted the better. The shoots, however, can 

 be carried or sent considerable distances, if packed in damp moss or other material to 

 prevent drying. After their journey immerse them in water for a few hours, then treat 

 as home cuttings. These must be kept fresh ; therefore provide a pail or pot with water 



