388 



Journal op the Department op Agriculture. 



two varieties (Anacantha and Coccinillifera) were badly frost-bitten 

 at Grootfonteiii during the winter of 1920, when IT degrees frost 

 were registered above ground. 



The two following methods of propagaliiig have been tested 

 extensively at Grootfontein ; the first of them is recommended: — 



(1) The leaf is placed flat on the ground and a spadeful of 



soil is placed on the top of it (this is necessary to kee]i 

 the leaf firmly fixed). 



(2) The leaf is jihiced in the ground lo the depth of about one- 



third of its length, tiie cut end being placed downwards. 



The great objection to No. 2 method of ])lanting leaves is that 

 ihcy frequently decay. ])ecay of the leaf lias never been noticed 

 wiien No. 1 method was used in planting, which 

 also has the advantage that the roots strike out over a 

 larger area and in an approximately circular manner. 

 with the result that the plant is very fiiinly fixed. 





Spinele.'^s ('actus Propagation. 



'Ki. 1. -Method I. Roots have l)CCii 

 out oflF. 



Spineless Cactus I'l-opagation. 



Flo. 2. — Metho-l I. Leaves three 

 iinnths old. 



It wouhl seem to be the general opinion that leaves should 1»«' 

 cut several months before they are planted. To do so is not only 

 unnecessary, but harmful, as the leaf begins to grow much sooner 

 if it is freshly picked and has not been allowed to wilt before plant- 

 ing. Experiments carried out at Grootfontein duriiig the spring of 

 1919, showed that leaves cut and i)lanted at once gave better plants 

 and fewer failures than when cut at intervals up to two months 

 l>revn)us to planting; all the leaves used were of the same age and 

 size, and fi'oni the same parent tree. 



