46 THK PI.ANT WORI^D 



vitality of the cutting is not endangered by evaporation, and the closer 

 atmosphere prevents wilting. Moreover, the bottom heat at present is 

 more regular than at any other time, still more insuring success. 



Some prefer to insert the cuttings without touching them with the 

 knife at all. They come through all right, but we use the knife to merely 

 pare off the ragged edge from the base, and there is little doubt but it is 

 an assistance. 



Our cuttings are given about 2 inches of space each way in the sand 

 bed. We make a straight line across the bench with a sharp-pointed 

 stick about 1 inch deep, and then take the cutting between the forefinger 

 and thumb of the right hand and press it into the cavity. This pressing 

 down also firms them sufficiently, and the whole thing is done by one 

 movement. A good watering is given and a slight shade for a few days ; 

 then on bright days afterwards a slight sprinkling overhead to keep them 

 fresh. 



The temperature of our house runs about 52 degrees — slightly higher 

 during the day — and the bench being directly above the pipes, the 

 bottom temperature is about 10 degrees higher. Propagated at this time, 

 95 per cent, of your cuttings will root, and in many cases every one 

 of them. The process usually takes about three weeks. 



Do not pot up as soon as the first roots appear, but always give them 

 a few days more, and they won't feel the change so badly. 



After potting, put them back in the same place for a few days to re- 

 cover, and then transfer them to a lighter, airier house. 



The question of using pots or flats will now be uppermost, but we 

 certainly believe that the advantage lies with the pots. It takes more 

 time, of course, and slightly more space, but the young plants take to 

 the pots more quickly, and, moreover, a ball of roots is formed. If pots be 

 not at your disposal, or space is limited, when a shift is necessary you 

 can then transfer them into flats ; but having made a ball in these first 

 pots it will be found to be of great value to them in after life. It will 

 stick to them even at lifting time if they are planted outside, and if all the 

 other soil should be knocked off they will at least have this to fall back 

 on. 



Do not use a very rich soil for first potting. There is no need for a 

 hurried, soft growth now. The hardier growth is better able to with- 

 stand the many attacks of insects and fungi. 



Fumigate regularly, or scatter tobacco stems around freely to keep in 

 check the arch-enemy, "green fly," and pinch out the points of the 

 shoots to insure a bushy habit, as occasion demands. Move into larger 

 pots or flats as soon as the first pots are full of roots. Never subject 

 them to a high temperature or close atmosphere ; and the foundation for 

 a successful crop of flowers for next fall will be laid. 



