CROWN AXD TERMINAL BUDS 35 



sundry growths below. A terminal bud represents the 

 completion of the year's growth and is easily distin- 

 guished by its cluster of contiguous smaller buds. 



WHEN TO TAKE THE BUDS 



A properly timed selection of the buds is of the 

 first importance, as this has a direct bearing upon the 

 quality of the flower produced. A crown bud taken 

 in July would develop to a certain stage but ultimately 

 only a few of the outer petals would expand, as seen 

 in Fig. 11. Buds taken at a little later date may 

 expand all right, but the flowers, while not deficient 

 in size, may be coarse and flat; if taken too late the 

 resulting flowers are neat but small, and, in the case 

 of some exhibition varieties, late or terminal buds will 

 often throw single flowers, or flowers having a large 

 open center. The successful exhibitor takes the crown 

 bud in every case when he can possibly secure it, be- 

 cause from this bud, if properly timed and rightly 

 treated, the largest flower is obtained, which in 

 character and finish is the equal of those from 

 terminal buds, while far surpassing them in size, sub- 

 stance and solidity, by reason of the greatly increased 

 number of petals that enter into its formation. 

 Crown buds in different stages of development are seen 

 in Fig. 12. 



The time to "take" the buds may vary slightly 

 with particular varieties, but treating the matter in 

 a general way, it is perfectly safe to take any bud that 

 appears on or before August 20, in Xew Jersey or any 

 other nearby States. This applies to the general col- 

 lection; a few early flowering kinds may have their 

 buds taken proportionately earlier; but the main crop 

 of buds should, if possible, be taken from the date given 

 and onward as they appear through the first ten days 



