PROPAGATION BY BUDDING AND GRAFTING 127 



two incisions, one vertical and one transverse (Fig. 137). 



These are light cuts, extending only through the bark. The 



vertical slit is usually made first and by the rounded end of 



the blade. This is an inch or inch and a half long. The 



transverse cut is made across the top of the vertical cut by one 



rocking motion of the blade. The corners of the bark may be 



lifted a little by an 



outward motion of 



the blade so as to 



allow the bud to be 



pushed in, but unless 



the bark slips very 



freely it will have to 



be loosened by the 



end of the blade or 



by the scalpel on the 



reverse end of the 



handle, as previously 



explained. 



The bud is now in- 

 serted in the cleft of 

 the bark. It is thrust 

 down part way by 

 the fingers, as in Fig. 

 138, but it is usually 



FIG. 139. The details of shield-budding. 



driven home by pushing down on the leaf-stalk handle with 

 the back of the knife-blade. The entire bud should pass into 

 the cleft; or if a portion of it projects above, it should be 

 cut off. If the bark peels freely, the bud will slip in easily 

 and will follow the cleft, but if it sticks somewhat, more care 

 is necessary to prevent the bud from running out. If the bark 

 is very tight, it may have to be loosened with the knife through- 

 out the length of the cleft; but budding should be performed; 

 if possible, when such pains is not necessary. 



