g, when the flow of
sap is very copious, it is well to tie in a small splinter about the
size of a match just below the bud to drain off the excess sap. This
will save many buds from being killed by souring of the sap. In two to
three weeks time the tie should be loosened so that the rapid growth of
the stock will not cause the tie to cut into the bark.

_The Mechanics of Patch-budding._

After all has been said about cambium and stocks and scions and their
relation to each other, there is still volumes to be written on the
mechanics of pecan propagation. I do not want to scare anyone off from
trying, but if there is any plant more difficult to propagate than the
pecan, I have not yet found it. Even experienced propagators of general
nursery stock have given up pecan budding as a bad job. On the other
hand, a novice or "pecan crank" who is handy with tools and has the
patience to study out the causes of his failures, may acquire the skill
to obtain almost a perfect "live" of buds. This all goes to show that
extreme precision is the password in the mechanics of patch-budding. In
the first place, the knives should be of the finest quality so that they
will hold a clean, fine edge. All cuts should be made with accuracy and
precision, so that there are no rough edges and bias corners. The number
of living buds will, under ordinary circumstances, be in exact
proportion to the accuracy with which the bud patch fits the place made
for it on the stock. The experienced pecan budder as he takes the bud
off the stick can tell whether or not they will grow. If he tears the
bark in cutting the patch, he drops that bud and cuts another; if the
bud patch splits, he discards it; if his fingers touch the cambium or
the bud patch falls to the ground, he wastes no time with it, but cuts
another and another until he gets the conditions perfect. There is
little use in tying in any bud that does not fit perfectly. For this
reason it is desirable to have the bud stick of the same diameter as the
stock. The bud patches from thin or small scions have to be stretched to
fit and generally give a poor "live"; likewise, the buds from the more
or less ridged portion at the top of the bud stick. The transfer of the
bud patch should also be made quickly so that the cambium will have the
shortest possible exposure to the air.

_After Treatment._

The process of patch-budding is not complete even after a good "live" of
buds is secured. It still requ