PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. Li ieee 
’ 
CHAP. V.—_PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 
549. This is effected in three ways: Ist, By means of the 
seed, which, when placed in a fit situation, becomes a new 
_ plant, of the same species as that which produced it, though 
_ frequently of a different variety.* The commencement of 
_ the growth of the seed is called germination. 2dly, By 
means of buds, which are also capable of producing new 
plants. In this case, it is always the same variety that is 
produced. 3dly, By means of slips or branches, which, when 
_ treated in a particular manner, are capable of becoming en- 
_ tire and independent plants, when separated from the parent. 
_ This is called propagation by slips or layers, and also in- 
_ eludes grafting ; and in this ease, also, we always obtain the 
_ Same variety. This latter mode of propagation might be in- 
_ cluded along with the second, thus making two princign! 
modes of propagation—by seeds and by buds. 
1. Germination. 
_ 930. A perfectly formed seed may be considered a young 
_ Plant, the vital energies of which are in a dormant or latent 
_ State, but ready to be excited to action when the appropriate 
stimuli are applied; and containing a quantity of matter in 
_ 4 state to be easily formed into proper nutriment, and ap-— 
plied to its support before it is able to provide for itself. 
_ 5951. Seeds possess a large quantity of carbon. This sub- 
_ Stance, by its antiputrescent qualities and hardness, prevents 
the seed from undergoing putrefaction, and thus preserves 
it for a great length of time. All that is necessary for pre-— 
_ Serving seeds, is, to prevent ee or pie 
9 Vail sain vena tdi Genie Species, and Varieties. its gi 
€s many species, and each species many varieties. The varieties of any — 
ge ahaa psec a A) TT 
