21 



half of the foliage is removed. The operation is performed by cut- 

 ting into the stock, simply pressing the knife slightly, so that when 

 the cut above it is made it will form at the lower part a cut in the 

 shape of a V. This cut is made right and directly over a bud (a leaf) 

 on the stock; this has the tendency of drawing to the graft nutritious 

 sap, which keeps it alive, and aids it in uniting with the stock. The 

 graft is then trimmed, leaving to it about one third of the leaves, as 

 shown in the illustration, and inserted as shown in Figure No. 33. 

 Care should be taken that both barks fit exactly on one side, while 

 the other side does not matter, as it heals over in time. The graft 

 may be waxed, if the operator so desires, but it is immaterial, unless 

 under low heat or 110 heat at all. After the graft has started, the 

 stock above the bud is cut back, as shown in Figure No. 34, when 

 they may be removed to the open air or planted in nursery. 



The above described methods of budding and grafting are very 

 simple, and can be performed by any untrained hand. 



ADVICE TO GROWERS. 



At present there is considerable inquiry in regard to new varieties. 

 Among the first questions asked is, " Which is the best variety?" I 

 wish I were able to answer this question, but regret that it cannot be 

 answered even if the varieties now fruiting were something of the 

 past. The fruit grower who expects to succeed in the race of success 

 must study for himself (which he generally does), investigate what is 

 now being done, and not jump at hasty conclusions, as the many 

 who have planted the Redding or California Picholine, on the advice 

 that it was the best olive, before it had borne fruit. It is yet too 

 early to even say which six varieties are the best, having had only 

 this year's production. In another year much will be known, and 

 I will do all that lies in my power in the furtherance of the investi- 

 gation. A.11 the varieties now fruiting will be subjected to a test, 

 both for pickling and oil ; the results will be given in the March bul- 

 letin. In the meantime, my advice to growers is, to plant whatever 

 stock they can get; all stocks are good, and can be grafted or budded 

 even after several years of growth. Enough trees of new varieties 

 cannot be obtained, unless at very high prices, but the Redding Pich- 

 oline stock is cheap, and plenty of it can be obtained ; it is also very 

 easy to raise. Afterwards it is an easy matter to graft or bud them 

 with the buds or grafts from a few small trees. 



