This operation is carried out in July or August, and provides a means of improving fruit trees and roses by bud insertion. Practice in budding may be well demonstrated in the case of the brier. Strong stocks should be selected in October or November and planted firmly in the practice plot; in the following July obtain some matured growth buds of good rose varieties. The usual procedure is made clear by Fig. 72. The woody part of the bud is removed and the bark cut into a lozenge or shield shape. The " pin " of the bud, which is visible on the inner side of the shield, must not be injured. In the bark of the stock, make a T-shaped cut and gently raise the bark on each side with the handle of the budding-knife. When this has been carefully done insert the shield, close the bark, and bind the bud firmly in with bast or raffia. The ligature is removed when active growth is evident. In the following March the branch of the brier stock is cut back.

saddle grafting

Fig. 71. saddle grafting.

A.-Stock. B. - Scion. The graft is eventually tied firmly with a ligature and clayed."

Budding

FIG. 72. BUDDING.

A.-Selected bud. B.-Front view of bud and shield with leaf removed. C.-Shield inserted in the bark. D.-The bud securely held by a bast or raffia ligature.