PROPAGATIOiY OF FRUITS. 



Propagation, in general, signifies the act of multiplying 

 the kind or species ; but, in this place, we propose to treat 

 only of vegetable nature. 



Beside the usual modes adopted by the gardeners and agri- 

 culturists of propagating trees, shrubs, &c., there are tvro other 

 methods of multiplying plants, in a manner equally novel and 

 surprising. 



1st. Planting the Leaves was accidentally discovered 

 by J. F. Henry, a German, who died at Augsburg, in 1726. 

 He reared many large trees, by setting healthy leaves in flower- 

 pots containing sifted garden mould, so that one third of the 

 leaf was covered with earth. Over tliese pots he suspended 

 vessels filled with water, which gradually dropped upon the 

 small plants beneath ; thus, the young stems began to strike 

 root and grow like those reared from kernels. 



2nd. By Covering Horizontal Sprigs, or Branches with 

 Moss. — This ingenious method of multiplying plants was an- 

 nounced by J. C. Wendland, an eminent gardener in Germany, 

 who described it for the benefit of the public nearly in the 

 following words : 



" Such shrubs as cannot conveniently be propagated by 

 seeds, sets or by layers, may be easily multiplied, especially 

 if they have young branches near their roots. For this 

 purpose, the earth around the stem ought to be previously 

 loosened, elevated, and made nearly level with the lowermost 

 sprouts : these should next be laid on the ground horizontally, 

 (without cutting or breaking them,) then fasten with small 

 wooden hooks ; covered with moss; and frei^ueiitly watered, 

 so that the latter may closely attach itself around the branches. 

 Tiie operation may be performed either in the Spring or 

 Autumn ; if in the former season, the moss should never be 

 suffered to become dry ; if in the latter, it must be covered 

 with straw to protect the layers from the effects of frost." 



