PROPAGATION AND FRUIT-STOCKS 



353 



incision is made into the bark of the seedling tree an inch or 

 two above the ground, on the north side of the tree so that 

 the bud will be shielded from the sun. The amateur usually 

 inserts two or three, one superimposed above the other, so 

 that he may have several chances of securing a "catch." 

 One only is retained when growth starts in the spring. 



Fig. 39. — Shield-budding. The bud tied; new growth of bud tied to 

 stock (the following spring); stub completely removed. 



After inserting the bud, it is tied into place with raffia or 

 cotton string, although the former is preferable. (Fig. 39.) 

 After the bud has grown tight, which will be within two weeks 

 if at all, the stricture is cut if it has not already loosened. 

 The bud remains dormant until spring when it begins growth 

 just as any other bud on the tree. The top of the seedling is 



