1 64 



NATURE STUDY AND LIFE 



at the end of their work in this subject they should have 

 learned that the apple, pear, plum, and cherry bear fruit 

 upon short scarred spurs or branches of several years' 



growth, i.e., on the "old wood," 

 while peaches, apricots, and nec- 

 tarines produce all their fruits 

 upon wood of the previous sea- 

 son's growth, i.e., upon " new 

 wood." It will be noted further 

 that peach buds often occur in 

 threes, — two large plump buds 

 (fruit buds), with a slender leaf 

 bud between. Higher up the 

 branch we shall generally find 

 large single buds, slend'er and 

 pointed, and these we shall select 

 for budding. 



With the above points clear, 

 and by the aid of the table at the 

 end of this chapter, we shall be 

 able to propagate any fruit in the 

 way best adapted to its culture. 

 It will thus accomplish two objects at once if I illustrate 

 the various methods by describing the practical rearing 

 of three typical fruits, — the grape, apple, and peach. 



How to raise a Grapevine; Cuttings. — Ascertain who in the 

 neighborhood has a vine of the desired variety. As soon 

 as the leaves fall in October, if he knows how to take 

 care of it, he will prune off almost all the new season's 

 growth. Ask him to contribute some of the largest and 

 ripest of these waste canes, cut them into lengths with 



Fig. 64. Peach Twig 



Showing fruit buds, /, and leaf 

 buds, /. a^ trimmed to use for 

 budding 



