CULTIVATION OF BUDS. 57 



large growers very seldom resort to it ; when it is ex- 

 pected to be used, the knots should all be loop. But the 

 process of budding peaches is so easy when done by skil- 

 ful hands, and in proper season, that a slight band, and that 

 only for a short time, is all that is necessary. We have 

 even known them to take and do well without being tied 

 at all. To neglect this precaution, however, is neither ju- 

 dicious nor safe. But when the work is done late, or 

 any other unfavorable incident intervenes, the 'tying is 

 highly important, and the manner in which it is done 

 may greatly tend to insure success or promote defeat. 



It may be found, on examination, that some of the 

 bands have been burst. This occurs where the band has 

 been weak and the growth rapid. In such cases no 

 further attention is necessary. The buds will take care 

 of themselves. In some cases the bands will be found to 

 have cut into the bark, owing to their strength and tight- 

 ness, and the rapid growth of the bud. Here the bands 

 should be immediately cut. 



This examination should be repeated ten days or a fort- 

 night later, unless further growth has been checked by 

 early frosts or cold, dry weather, when it will be un- 

 necessary. The treatment should be precisely as before, 

 with this addition ; that where it is apparent the bud 

 has taken well, the band should be cut ; but when this is 

 doubtful, or it is plain the union is slight, the bands should 

 be left until the sap begins to flow the next spring, as 

 the freezing and thawing of winter " greatly tends to 

 throw off buds that are not fairly joined to the stems, and 

 the band is of great service in maintaining their close 

 union with them. Nothing more is required until the 

 next spring, when all remaining bands should be cut oa 

 the first start of the sap. 



In the spring, and as soon as the sap begins to flow 

 freely, the natural stocks must be cut away just above 

 the bud. It must not be done too early, as there is dan- 



