180 ORANGE CULTURE IN CALIFORNIA. 



The proper selection of the buds is of great importance. 

 Select the matured wood of the last growth of the season, or 

 the next to the last. The branches should be well rounded up, 

 and the buds full and plump. The growth yet sharp and in 

 triangular shape may be used when material is scarce, but they 

 are not so certain to grow as buds cut from well-rounded wood. 

 The buds should be in a dormant condition, being best when 

 they are just ready-to start. Immediately after cutting a stick 

 of buds remove all the leaves therefrom, cutting them off within 

 one-eighth of an inch of the bud. Put them in convenient 

 bundles for use, then put them into boxes, which should then be 

 filled with sawdust enough at least to cover the buds after 

 shaking so as tojill all the interstices well. Dampen thoroughly 

 and the buds will be in condition to keep in the best order for 

 a sufficient length of time to be used, and even to bear trans- 

 portation. I have shipped them to Florida, the buds arriving 

 in good condition. They may sometimes be kept two weeks in 

 cool weather. 



The budder uses a budding knife, as "sharp as a razor." The 

 best style of knife is one that has a small thin blade, with a 

 handle made wholly of bone. Take a small bundle of sticks, 

 carrying them for convenience in a small box of damp sawdust. 

 Budders sometimes wrap their buds in a damp cloth, for use in 

 nursery, and keep them in the shade. 



The operator should make a longitudinal and a lateral cut in 

 the tree, the latter just at the top of the former. Cut through 

 the bark, but not into the* wood. The former cut is usually 

 made first. With a peculiar motion of the knife, and with the 

 blade slanting downward, the lateral cut should be made in 

 such a manner as to open the lips of the longitudinal cut suffi- 

 ciently to receive the bud. 



Select a stick that conforms in size to the size of the 

 stock to be budded. Turn the top end of a stick towards 

 you. Hold the knife firmly, carrying the blade smoothly 

 through the bark and wood, cutting out a piece not exceed- 

 ing an inch in length. There should be some wood in the 

 center of the bud. The lower end of the bud should be 

 barely blunt enough to admit of being inserted without doubling 



