BUDDING. 



25 



is then torn into thin narrow strips to be used as needed. 

 The bandages are softened before use by thorough wet- 

 ting. They must be tied sufl&ciently tight to exert a 

 moderate pressure without injuring the bark. If the 

 operation is successful, the leaf stalk will drop off in a 

 few days, the bud presenting a fresh, plump appearance. 

 If the stocks are growing freely, it will be necessary to 

 loosen the bandages in ten to fifteen days. In a month's 

 time they may be removed entirely. 



Buds usually remain dormant till the following 



Fig. 15.— Bud inserted. 



Fig. 16.— Tying. 



spring, but if the stock is cut off several inches above the 

 bud, soon after it has taken, and all other buds and shoots 

 are kept rubbed off, it will make a ver}-- good growth 

 during the first season. If well grown stocks are budded 

 early in June, and cut off as suggested above, they will 

 make perfect little trees by fall, and can be taken up with 

 the roots almost entire, and when planted in the orchard 

 often bear as early as much older trees set out at the 

 same time. When buds are desired very early their ma- 

 turity can be hastened by pinching off the ends of the 



