CHAPTER XXVI. 



How to Bud. 



The third year from the seed is the best age at which to bud 

 orange trees. Small plants, two years old, -and even some one 

 year old, can be budded successfully. They can be budded suc- 

 cessfully at almost any age. Budding may l^e done at times 

 from March to November, but early or late budding is the best. 

 I have found April and May to be the best months for early 

 budding, and October and November for late budding, the 

 latter remaining dormant till the following spring, usually com- 

 mencing to grow in April, but sometimes as early as January. 

 Buds inserted in April generally make a substantial growth the 

 same season. Buds inserted later in the season, say in July and 

 August, make but a small growth and do not mature sufficiently 

 to resist the occasional cold weather of our winters. Even in 

 favored localities that are generally free from frost, it is not de- 

 sirable to start the buds late in the season. They never make 

 so satisfactory a tree, besides it is more work to take care of 

 them, they being inclined to make a low, insignificant top. A 

 bud that is strong and vigorous at fche start will usually continue 

 so, and make a tree that will be satisfactory to both grower and 

 purchaser, and vice versa. 



The stock must be in good condition at the time of budding; 

 that is, the sap must flow freely; the tree will then be in a vig- 

 orous growing condition, and, if the budding be skillfully done, 

 it will be a success. It is safe to say that, under the conditions 

 above mentioned, a skillful budder will succeed in getting ninety- 

 five per cent, or more to grow. To test the stock, make an in- 

 cision through the bark ; if the sap ooze out, and the color of 

 the wood be a dark green, the tree will be in the best possible 

 condition to bud. 



