56 pfiAos cur/tuKf:. 



other stakes for greater caution, in case of the fading of 

 the marks or accident to the stakes themselves. 



Whenever convenient, it is advisable never to bud a 

 row with, more than one variety. 



CHAPTER IX. 

 CULTIVATION OF BUDS. 



In ten days or two weeks after budding, the buds should 

 be examined. Those that have taken will have a lively 

 green appearance, especially towards the center, while 

 those that have not taken will be shrunken at the edges, 

 and of a brown hue. They will also have shed the leaf- 

 stem, while those that have not taken will still retain it. 

 Ninety per cent should be living, and where the condi- 

 tions have been favorable, nearly all. "When the time is 

 proper, the buds fresh, and the budder skillful, there is 

 no necessity for losing a single bud ; and very few, in 

 fact, are lost. If it is discovered, in this examination, 

 that some have not taken, and the season is not too far 

 advanced, they may be re-budded. 



Another object of the examination is, to see if the ties 

 are cutting the buds. This occurs when the tie has been 

 tightly drawn, the union prompt and complete, and the 

 growth rapid. The tie should now be cut. This is ef- 

 fected by a single stroke of a sharp knife, drawn across 

 the tie on the opposite side to the bud, and at an acute 

 angle with the stem of the young tree. If the nursery- 

 man prefers to loosen the tie, he will draw the loop of the 

 knot when it has been so tied ; if tied in a hard knot, he 

 will have to undo the last draw. This is tedious, and 



