252 THE GARDENER. [June 



The propagation of the Clematis is effected by means of grafting 

 during April and May, or it can be done earlier if the young shoots 

 have been advanced by artificial means. The time of the operation 

 depends in a large degree upon the young shoots. The stocks can 

 be kept from early winter until the wood is ready. The roots of 

 common varieties are principally used for stocks, — in fact, good 

 fleshy roots can be taken from any of the varieties. The strong roots 

 should have some small fibres on them. The root should be split 

 down the centre for about three-quarters of an inch; the scion or 

 graft should be about three inches in length, containing one pair of 

 leaves, which is sufficient for the graft; it should be cut into a wedge, 

 fitted into the incision in the root, and then made secure with a tie 

 of matting. Afterwards they should be potted in 3-inch pots in 

 sandy loam, placed in the propagating - frame, shaded from strong 

 sun, and well sprinkled overhead with the syringe : only a small 

 space of time will elapse before the graft and stock unite. When 

 the union has taken place, each plant should have a small upright 

 stake to tie the small shoots to as they extend. If worked at the 

 time named, they will be ready by the end of June to be transferred 

 into 5 -inch pots, using a compost of rich fibry loam, a seventh of 

 well -decomposed manure, and sufficient sand to make the whole 

 porous. These will make nice plants by the end of the season, and 

 if well-ripened free-blooming varieties, will produce about six blooms 

 each the following spring and summer. 



When the young plants are removed from the propagating-frame, 

 they require to be carefully shaded for a time from strong sun, and 

 gradually exposed to more air. Care must be taken that they do 

 not receive a check, which causes them to ripen instead of making a 

 vigorous growth. 



The Clematis enjoys liberal supplies of water while growing, and 

 occasionally manure-water, and should have plenty of pot-room. After 

 the plants have filled the 5-inch pots with roots, they can be trans- 

 ferred the following season into larger pots, according to the pro- 

 gress they have made. Care must be taken not to subject the plants 

 to strong heat when forcing them into flower. The most suitable 

 place for them is an early vinery or Peach-house when first started. 

 One important point to be considered is, that if the plants are required 

 to bloom early, their growth must be early matured, and the plants must 

 receive an early rest by being placed outside. The summer- and 

 autumn -blooming kinds can either be grown in a cold pit or in the 

 open air all the season, and brought in while in flower. 



Wm. Bardney. 



