Propagation 257 
side, and still others from the bottom. It matters little 
if the base of the bud is left. It is best, however, to prac- 
tise on some worthless shoots (in the proper condition), 
and not to be disappointed if success does not crown the 
first efforts. Perseverance will soon bring success. 
When a correct bud is obtained, the rest is very simple. 
For bush Roses on the Brier stock it is advisable to earth 
up the plants a week or so before budding is to take place. 
This will keep the bark soft and 
allow it to part from the wood more 
readily. The soil may then be drawn 
away with the hands and a cut made 
straight up the centre of the shoot 
just as deep as the bark, about 1 in. 
long. Afterwards a cross cut should 
be made at the top, thus forming a T 
cut. If a budding knife is used with 
a flat handle and sharp end the bark 
should be lifted up with the point of 
the knife at one side and the end of the handle inserted 
and run down, lifting the bark the whole length of the cut 
from the wood on both sides. The bud, which has been 
previously prepared, should be kept between the lips, so 
that the breath may keep it moist until required. It should 
then be caught by its sides, and the end of the bark should 
be inserted at the cross and slowly slipped down between 
the wood and bark, taking care to keep it well inside the 
cut on both sides. When it is partly inserted, the petiole 
of the leaf in the axil of which the bud was formed should 
be held. 
With half of the leaf, press downwards until it is nearly 
( C 525 ) 18 
