8 



Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 



buds from older wood seem to take better, but are liable to drop after 

 taking, leaving a blind bud. 



The experience of P. J. Wester, in charge of the avocado investigations 

 of the Bureau of Plant Industry, is unquestionably the most valuable to 

 be had on this subject. Under date of January 4, 1911, he writes me as 

 follows: "In 1906 I published an article in the Florida Agriculturist that 

 has been reproduced in many papers, but which does not now wholly represent 

 my views on the subject. The stock should be the size of a lead pencil, 

 in vigorous growing condition with sap flowing freely, and young budwood, 



Figure 3. Parent tree of the Harmon Avocado, growing at Sherman, Cal. This tree is 

 thirteen years old, and shows a fine orchard form for an Avocado. 



i. e., that from the current year's growth, with well developed buds, used. 

 Do not use old and hard budwood, as such buds after taking frequently drop. 

 Cut the buds large, and cover entirely with waxed tape. The last point ma) 

 not be so important in California's dry climate. Continued experimentation 

 since I wrote the above mentioned paper shows that budding may be practiced 

 any month of the year, provided the stock is in condition, though for nurserj 

 practice I would not bud in August, September, October or November." 



