PROPAGATION 151 



6 inches of soil, composed of fibrous loam 

 and sand in equal parts, which should be put 

 through a ^-inch riddle. Consolidate this also 

 as much as possible. 



The bed is now ready for the cuttings, which 

 should have been prepared as already described, 

 and which may be inserted by making a hole 

 and dropping in a pinch of silver sand, much 

 in the same manner as was done in the pots, 

 except that in this case, instead of being 2 inches 

 apart, they should be placed quite close to one 

 another. As before, make quite sure that the 

 end of the cutting reaches the bottom of the 

 hole, and above all see that the soil is pressed 

 firmly round its stem. After the cuttings are 

 inserted give a good watering to settle the 

 ground. Little further attention will be needed, 

 except to shelter, if necessary, from strong sun 

 or to protect from severe frost or snow. By 

 the spring it will be found that a large per- 

 centage of the cuttings have rooted. 



Aubrietias are frequently found rather diffi- 

 cult to strike, owing to their liability to damp 

 off^. The following treatment should, however, 

 be found to yield a good result. Take the 



