PROPAGATION OF FRUIT PLANTS. 161 



Btalks. These sticks should be carefully protected from wilting, 

 and it is customary to carry them in the field wrapped up in 

 moist cloth or oiled paper. If it is necessary to store them 

 after they are cut, they should be kept in a cool, moist place, 

 in moss, sawdust, or cloths, but not in water. They are often 

 kept for a week before using, but are preferably used as soon 

 as possible after they are cut. 



To insert the bud a smooth place is selected (on small 

 stocks this should be about two inches from the ground) and 

 on the north side if practicable, since buds are less liable to 

 be injured by freezing on that side than on any other. A cross- 

 cut should be made at this point, and from it a cut about iVa 

 inches long, as shown at 3 in fig. 79; at the same time the bark 

 should be raised to loosen it. A bud-stick is then taken and 

 a bud cut off with the bark and a thin piece of the wood extending 

 about one-half inch above and below the bud, as shown at 2 

 in fig. 79. The lower point of the bud (by which is meant the 

 bark and wood cut off, as well as the bud) is now 

 inserted under the bark at the cross-cut, and is gently pushed 

 down by the leaf slock and knife blade. If the bark of the 

 stock will not raise when the bud is thus pushed down, the 

 stock is not in the best condition for budding and it will be 

 necessary to raise the bark with the back of the knife blade, 

 or with the ivory blade previously referred to, in order to let 

 the bud come into its place. The sides of the bud should come 

 under the bark, but if the wound is not large enough to admit 

 quite all the bud, any small part that may project above the 

 cross-cut should be cut off by again drawing the knife through 

 the cross-cut. The bud must now be securely and firmly tied 

 in place, taking care to draw it down evenly and firmly and to 

 cover all the wounds with tying material as shown at 5 in fig. 

 79, but do not cover the bud itself. In less severe sections, 

 the ties do not need such careful attention as here in the North- 

 western states, where it is important to tie very carefully. 

 After the bud is tied, the bands should be watched so that when 

 the growth of the stock becomes so great that the bands are 

 too tight for it — which is generally in about a week — they may 



