266 AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE. 



being about an inch across the downwards cut about three 



The Cross Cat. 



Cat Downwards. 



Opening Cuts for Bud. 



inches in length. Then open the cuts thus made by folding 

 them over slightly, as shown in the engraving. This work 

 has to be done quickly, to avoid the sap of the bud, or the 

 sap of the stock, or both, from drying. The bud (which is 

 usually in the lips of the operator while he is making the 

 cuts) is then inserted. In order to make an effective 

 junction between the sap flow in the stock 

 and the sap of the bud, which we desire to 

 unite, the upper part of the bark is cut 

 across, and the bud is then pressed up- 

 wards, so as to join the parts. The parts 

 are then tied, thin strips of calico being in 

 general use for the purpose. Worsted 

 thread is also used, and answers well for 

 small plants, also " raffia," a fibrous material. 

 Veneer budding and ring budding, the 

 latter for soft bark plants as a rule, are 

 also practised ; and some operators prefer 

 to insert the bud from below the "f" cut, in 

 But in all cases, the leaf growth on the 



-ted. 



