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THE AET OF 



introduction of the scion is effected by inserting it under 

 the raised bark of the stock at a time when the condition of 

 the sap allows it to be easily detached from the alburnum. 

 Any branches which might interfere with the operation should 

 have been cut off some time previously, so that the course 

 of the sap may not be checked by doing so at the time of 

 grafting. 



Group L — Shield-bud Grafting. 

 The term shield-bud has arisen from the form of the strip 

 of bark which is attached to the bud-graft. The shape of it, 

 however, is variable; it may be oval, square, triangular, 

 obtuse, &c, but in any form it is called a shield-bud. The 

 buds are taken from shoots of the current year, if the opera- 

 tion is performed in summer; and from shoots of the 

 previous year, if the budding is done in spring. Shoots of a 

 medium size are preferable to very strong or very weak ones. 

 The eyes should be well formed and not opened. There are 

 two sub-divisions of this mode of grafting, according to the 

 manner of inserting the bud : — 1. By inoculation, or under 

 the bark of the stock. 2. By veneering, or removing a 

 portion of the bark, and putting the bud in its place. 



Shield-budding by Inoculation. — General Directions. 

 The stock should not be budded unless the sap is flowing. 

 This may be ascertained by raising the bark with the 

 grafting-knife. If the state of the sap is satisfactory, the 

 bark will detach itself easily, without tearing, and exhibit a 

 slight moisture underneath, which will promote the union of 

 the bud and stock. It is of considerable importance that both 

 parts should be in an equal condition of growth ; but should 

 there be any difference, it is better to have the stock in a 

 more advanced state of sap than the bud. The shoots from 

 which the buds are taken should also be in a state of sap and 



