114 
j 
THE FLORIST. 
of the stock to admit the bud. The stock (a) should be in no way 
stunted, therefore choose such as are of free and healthy growth ;— 
select a smooth part on the shaded side, make a transverse incision in 
the bark, and from this incision make a slit downwards to the extent of 
an inch, as at b. Next a stick of buds (as it is termed) fig. 7, must be 
selected ; choose a thrifty young shoot, and cut the leaves at the leaf¬ 
stalk, score the bud the desired form, as shown at D ; then, with the 
finger and thumb, placing the thumb close to the bud, press it sideways, 
and the bud will slip from the shoot as at C, fig. 6. I find this way of 
shelling the buds for fruit-tree budding preferable to taking out the 
wood after the bud is cut, not being so liable to injure the heart of the 
bud, which if damaged in any way will not thrive. 
The bark is then carefully opened with the handle of the knife at B, 
fig. 6, to receive the bud c ; insert it immediately. This is done by 
slipping it under the bark, making the top of the shield meet the trans¬ 
verse incision on the stock. A bandage of wet bass matting is now tied 
moderately tight over the wound, only leaving the bud and leaf-stalk 
exposed to the light. In about a month after the operation, the bud 
will have united: this can easily be known by the plumpness of the 
bud ; the bandage then must be loosened. Nothing more is required till 
the following spring; when the buds begin to swell, the stock is headed 
down to within a few inches of the bud. The object in leaving this 
portion of the stock above the bud is to secure it from being broken by 
winds, and cause its upright growth by tying it to the stock. Towards 
autumn, when the shoot is strong, this portion of the stock may be cut 
