148 ROCK GARDENS 



keep the temperature as even as possible, for, 

 treated in this manner, they have but the top 

 surface exposed to either the frost of winter or 

 the hot rays of the sun in summer, and the 

 plants in them are therefore much less likely 

 to suffer from cold or heat than would be the 

 case if the whole surface of the pot were 

 exposed. 



It will be found a good plan in many cases 

 to put small pieces of sandstone round the 

 neck of the plant ; they will keep it secure 

 and prevent undue evaporation. 



Propagation by cuttings is an easy method, 

 and especially applicable to shrubs and any of 

 the hard-wooded plants. The best time to 

 take cuttings is between August and November. 

 They should be made from well-ripened wood 

 of the year's growth, choosing vigorous 

 shoots. These should be shortened to about 

 3 inches and the lower leaves trimmed off; 

 then take a sharp knife and cut through 

 immediately below a joint from which the 

 roots will eventually spring. The cutting is 

 now ready for insertion in pot or bed. 

 Another method is to break off the cutting 



