BUD PROPAGATION 



127 



sizes may be cleft-grafted, — from a half inch up to four 

 inches in diameter; but a diameter of one to one and a 

 half inches is the most convenient size. All the leading 

 or main branches of a tree top may be grafted. If the 

 remaining parts of the top are gradually cut away and 

 the scions grow well, the entire top will be changed over to 

 the new variety. 



Fig. 165.— 

 Scion of 



Apple. 



Fig. 166.— The 

 Scion Inserted. 



Fig. 167.— The 

 Par IS Waxed. 



Another form of grafting is known as budding. In this 

 case a single bud is used, and it is sHpped underneath the 

 bark of the stock and securely tied (not waxed) with soft 

 material, as bass bark, corn shuck, yarn, or raffia (the last 

 a commercial palm fibre). Budding is performed when the 

 bark of the stock will slip or peel (so that the bud can be 

 inserted), and when the bud is viatiire enough to grow. 

 Usually budding is performed in late summer or early 

 fall, when the winter buds are well formed ; or it may be 

 practised in spring with buds cut in winter. In ordinary 

 summer budding (which is the usual mode) the "hud" or 

 scion forms a union with the stock, and then lies dormant 

 tin the following spring, as if it were still on its own twig. 



