196 



PROPAGATION OP PLANTS. 



eties, but it is too slow a mode for general use. It differs 

 from other methods in several particulars, hut the main 

 one is that the bud is not inserted under the bark of the 

 stock but fitted to it. A ring of bark passing nearly or 

 quite around the stem upon which there is a bud is taken 

 from the branch, and a similar ring is cut from the stock; 

 and the bud and bark are fitted into this and then care- 

 fully tied in place. The branch 

 from which the bud is taken, and 

 the stock to which it is aflSxed, 

 should be of nearly the same size, 

 although a piece of bark may be 

 taken off from the bud, or the 

 same added to it, for the purpose 

 of making a close joint. Figure 77 

 shows a stock with a ring of bark 

 removed (5), and another (a) with 

 bud ready to clasp arourd it. 

 This method of budding or graft- 

 ing, for it may be considered under 

 either head, is termed "flute 

 grafting" by European horticul- 

 turists, and it is more generally 

 performed in spring than later in 

 the season. When only a small 

 section of bark is removed with 

 the bud, and this fitted to the stock by removing a similar 

 section, it is called "veneer shield budding," as it is 

 intermediate between the ordinary budding and the 

 annular or flute grafting. 



Like other methods of propagating plants, budding 

 may be performed in various ways. The exact size or 

 form of the bud or stock is not so very essential; the 

 main thing to be observed is, their condition at the time 

 the operation is performed. It should be borne in mind 

 that new plant-cells must be formed before a permanent 



Pig. 77. 

 FLUTE BUDDmO. 



