be planted in November, and left undisturbed.
Broom.--Hardy shrubs thriving in almost any soil. Cuttings will
strike if planted in sand under glass. (See also "Genista" and
"Spartium.")
Broussonetia Papyrifera.--A very effective deciduous shrub, with
large, curiously-cut leaves. It likes an open soil, and is propagated
by cuttings. February is its blooming time. Height, 12 ft.
Browallia.--Very handsome half-hardy annuals; will grow readily from
seed in any garden soil, but prefer a sandy one. They bloom in July.
Height, 2 ft.
Brussels Sprouts.--For a first crop sow early in March, and in April
for succession. Transplant as soon as ready into deeply-trenched,
well-manured soil, about 2 ft. apart. Hoe well, and keep clear from
weeds. For exhibition and early use sow in a greenhouse, or in a frame
over a gentle hotbed, about the middle of February; prick off into a
cold frame, gradually harden off, and plant out in May.
Bryanthus Erectus.--A hardy evergreen shrub, which will grow in any
soil if the situation is shady and damp. It thrives without any
sunshine, but will not endure the constant dropping of moisture upon
its leaves from trees. Cuttings strike readily. April is its flowering
time. Height, 1 ft.
Budding.--Budding consists in raising an eye or bud from one part of
a bush or tree and transplanting it to another part, or to any other
plant of the same species. The process is not only more simple and
rapid than that of grafting, but many leading nurserymen contend that
a better union is effected, without the risk of dead wood being left
at the junction. It may be performed at any time from June to August,
cloudy days being most suitable, as the buds unite better in wet
weather. It is chiefly employed on young trees having a smooth and
tender bark. Of the various systems of budding, that known as the
Shield is probably the most successful. Make a small horizontal cut
in the bark of the stock, and also a vertical one about an inch long,
thus forming an elongated T shape. Next select a branch of the current
year's growth on which there is a well-formed leaf-bud. Pass a sharp
knife 1/2 in. above the bud and the same distance below it, taking
about a third of the wood with the bud. If in the process of detaching
it the interior of the bud is torn away it is useless, and a fresh bud
must be taken. Now hold the bud in the mouth, and with as little delay
as possible raise the bark of the stock with a knife, insert the bud,
and bind it on with raffia. When the bud begins to grow the binding
must be loosened. To prevent the shoots being torn away by the wind a
stake may be tied on to the stock, and the new shoot secured to it by
means of raffia. Fruit trees are sometimes budded close to the soil on
stocks 1-1/2 ft. in height. The buds are rubbed off the stock as soon
as they appear, but the stock is not cut away until the following
spring.