150 THE NURSEBT. 



In free stocks, the bud should be inserted within three 

 or four inches of the ground. 



In some parts of the West Wisconsin, Illinois and 

 some other places, certain rapid, late-growing, and rather 

 tender varieties are liable to be winter-killed if budded 

 close to the ground ; probably by the sudden thawing of 

 that part, caused by the reflection of heat from the ground. 

 In view of such a difficulty, it may be well enough to bud 

 sufficiently high to avoid this, provided a stock known to 

 be perfectly hardy can be obtained ; but, as a general thing, 

 low budding makes the best trees. All dwarf stocks 

 should be budded as close to the surface of the ground 

 as it is possible ; and even some of the earth may be re- 

 moved and put back when the budding is done. The 

 necessity for this lies in the fact that all dwarf stocks 

 should be wholly below the ground when finally planted 

 out in the garden or orchard. 



4th. Untying the Buds. In ten days or a fortnight 

 after the buds are inserted, they should be examined, and 

 such as have failed may be budded again if the stocks 

 continue to grow. In some cases, it may be necessary, 

 and particularly with cherries, to loosen the buds and tie 

 them over again ; as rapid growth will cause the string to 

 cut the bark before the bud has completely united, or is 

 fit to be untied. This seldom occurs, however ; as a gen- 

 eral thing, the strings may be removed in three weeks to 

 a month after the budding; and they should never be 

 left on over the winter, as moisture lodges around them, 

 to the detriment of the bud. As soon as the budding is 

 done, the ground should be worked over with the culti- 

 vator or forked spade. The first season's management 

 of stocks too small for budding consists simply in keep- 

 ing the soil clean and mellow, and in guarding against 

 the attacks of insects. 



The treatment of root grafts the first season consists in 

 clearing and loosening the ground, the removal of suckers 



