PROPAGATING FRUIT TREES. 203 



a light mulch should be given to prevent drying. 

 Layers will usually w^inter best as attached to 

 the stools, being well banked up or mulched 

 with leaves and evergreen boughs to protect 



Fig. 20. 



from "heaving." In early spring aU weU-rooted 

 plants should be separated and planted in rows ; 

 thus making room for a subsequent crop. 



By Budding. — At periods of active flow of 

 sap the bark of trees will readily separate from 

 the wood. When this can be done buds may be 

 inserted under the bark and upon the sap wood, 

 which will unite with the tree and yet preserve 

 their identity and characteristics. Thus a tiny 

 bud of a sweet apple, though inserted on the 

 stock of the sourest crab, and drawing all its 

 nourishment from it, will yet be true to its origin 

 and yield fruit after its kind. This operation 

 may be performed at any time when the bark 

 lifts freely, provided buds sufficiently mature 



