BUDDING, GRAFTING, ETC. 135 



caused hj the refraction of heat from the ground. In view 

 of such a difficulty, it may be well enough to bud high up, 

 but, as a general thing, low budding makes the best trees. 

 All dwarf stocks should be budded as close to the surface 

 of the ground as it is possible, and even some of the earth 

 may be removed and put back when the budding is done. 

 The necessity for this lies in the fact that all dwarf stocks 

 should be wholly below the ground when finally planted 

 out in the garden or orchard. 



4th. TJntying the Buds. — In ten days or a fortnight 

 after the buds are inserted, they should be examined, and 

 such as have failed may be budded again if the stocks 

 continue to grow. In some cases it may be necessary, and 

 particularly with cherries, to loosen the buds and tie them 

 over again, as rapid growth will cause the string to cut 

 the bark before the bud has completely united, or is fit to 

 be untied. This seldom occurs, however ; as a general 

 thing, the strings may be removed in three weeks to a 

 month after the budding ; and they should never be left 

 on over the winter, as moisture lodges around them to the 

 detriment of the bud. As soon as the budding is done, 

 the ground should be worked over with the cultivator or 

 forked spade. The first season's management of stocks too 

 small for budding consists simply in keeping the soil clean 

 and mellow, and in guarding against the attacks of 

 insects. 



The treatment of root grafts the first season consists in 

 cleaning and loosening the ground, the removal of suckers 

 from the roots as fast as they appear, and pinching early 

 any strong side shoots likely to weaken the leader. 



Second Year. — ^Where the buds failed the previous sea- 

 son, the stocks should now be whip-grafted near the sur- 

 face of the ground. They will be little behind the buds, 

 and will make nearly as good trees, if neatly done. Plums 

 and cherries must be done before, or as soon as the buds 



