BUDDING AND GRAFTING. 
207 
operated on. The effect on our orchard and other fruit-bearing 
trees, the finest of hardy flowering plants and other ornamental 
objects in the open air, are sufficiently known, to say nothing of 
what it does among the rare and valuable inhabitants of our 
glass structures; and, therefore, though among the most ordi¬ 
nary operations of gardening, its established consequence does 
away with the necessity of any apology, even for its frequent 
mention. 
The difference between budding and grafting is, that in the 
former but a single eye or life-point is employed, and that is so 
intimately blended by the operation with the very system of the 
worked plant, that in a short time the point of union is not per¬ 
ceptible, and therefore it is greatly to be preferred for all nice 
work; while the graft, being part of a branch, and altogether of 
larger proportions, requires a length of time to properly cica¬ 
trize or cover the joint. Each of them, however, have their ad¬ 
vantages, though we certainly believe those of the bud to out¬ 
weigh the other. 
To ensure a reasonable prospect of success in budding, it is 
essential that both the stock or plant to be worked, and that 
from which the bud is obtained, are in an active state of growth 
at the time ; and this constitutes a great difference between the 
two operations, as grafting may be accomplished when the sub¬ 
jects are comparatively dormant. Budding is preferable for 
several reasons. In the first place, if a scarce variety of any kind 
is desired to increase, the portion which would supply but one 
graft will furnish several buds, and consequently increase the 
chances of success and the number of specimens. Again, as the 
single eye necessary is of course small in proportion to the entire 
scion, so smaller stocks may be used, which is a saving often of 
both expense and space, and moreover the stock does not require 
so much manipulation ; its outline or appearance is not altered, 
so that, should the bud fail, there is no other loss, as frequently 
happens by the failure of a graft, where, in consequence of the 
head of the stock being cut over to prepare it for the scion, its 
very existence is endangered, or at least it is rendered unsightly 
for a long time. These considerations of course apply with most 
force to the case of valuable exotics, where sometimes the stock 
possesses no mean value of its own, and, indeed, it is worth a 
thought under any circumstances. 
