BUDDING 63 
purchase established fruit-trees, as cultivators require 
the produce much quicker than they could get it by 
propagating trees themselves. The same system of 
budding is, however, applicable for increasing Roses, 
and this may be adopted with every chance of success 
by even a cottager if he takes the necessary care in 
performing the work. 
Rare varieties of ornamental deciduous trees are 
largely propagated in this way—for instance, many of 
the Acers, Elms, Horse Chestnuts, etc. Evergreen 
shrubs, such as Rhododendrons and Hollies, are also 
rapidly increased in some establishments by this means. 
In the case of fruit-trees, plump wood buds must be 
selected from medium-sized branches. On some sorts 
these are scarce, the majority being flower-buds, and it 
- is rather difficult to distinguish between them at the 
budding season. The best time for the operation is 
from June to the end of August, but surrounding 
influences, condition of buds, stocks, etc., must: be 
taken into account. Clean cuts, with gentle and skilful 
handling, are even more important in the budding of 
stone fruits than of Roses or other plants, and the ties 
should be lightly but firmly made. In all cases the 
operation must be performed as quickly as possible, as 
both bud and bark are injured if exposed to the air for 
any length of time. 
Shield-Budding. 
The most successful and generally practised system 
is that known as shield-budding. As indicated in the 
illustration, a, a small cross-cut is made in the bark, 
then another downward cut is made an inch, or less, in 
length, and the bark is next gently raised the full 
