in ordinary cold storage
or in a refrigerator. It will be ready for use in the spring as soon as
the bark will slip on the stocks. By this method the budding season may
be greatly extended and propagation started at least two months before
any of the present season's buds will be sufficiently mature for use.

_The Kinds of Buds to Select._

As to the buds themselves the most desirable are those at the base of
the season's growth. See Figure 13. These, though not large, are plump
and fully mature. The bark is smoother and firmer about them than higher
up the stem and there is no leaf stalk to interfere with cutting them
accurately and making a close fit and tie. These buds are dormant and
there is little danger of their pushing into growth in the fall and
being cold hurt the following winter. For best success in patch budding
it is not desirable to select very large, overdeveloped buds, or those
that have grown so rapidly as to stand out on a little pedicel or basal
stalk. In removing such a bud from the stick, the central column of the
pedicel will often pull out and remain on the stick. Such a bud will
almost invariably die. An observation of pecan buds in general will show
that they are normally triple in form, the largest above and two smaller
ones beneath it. The largest bud will grow first but if anything happens
to it, the next one will take its place.

_Tying in the Buds._

A good deal of the success in patch-budding depends on the tying in of
the buds. The cambium must be thoroughly protected if a union is to
result. It is necessary to have some kind of tie that will retain the
sap as well as exclude external moisture. After experimenting with
different materials and methods I have finally abandoned all except the
waxed strip tie. This is made by dipping sheet cotton in pure, liquid
beeswax and pressing out all extra wax. The cloth after dipping is
formed into convenient sized rolls. From these rolls the cloth is torn
at budding time into strips a quarter of an inch wide and from six to
eight inches long.

In tying in a bud hold it firmly so that it will not slip and begin at
the top and bind it in very tightly with the waxed strip. Reverse the
tie at the rear of the bud like a surgeon's bandage and cover the patch
completely, leaving only the tip of the bud sticking out. The wax in the
cloth will cause the tie to adhere sufficiently to the wood so that no
other ligature is required. In budding in the sprin