50 CRUCIFER.^. 



plants on starting show any symptoms of sickness or weakness, 

 there should be no hesitation in choosing the lesser evil, for the 

 chances are that the plants will not survive the flowering period, 

 and the flower-stems in such cases are rarely of any use for 

 the purpose of propagation. Cuttings taken in the early part 

 of the season should be chosen of rather weakly or medium 

 strength, those that are gross and succulent being very apt to 

 damp off; and it is advantageous to secure a small bit of the 

 old crown at the base of the cutting. They should not be more 

 than 3 inches long when taken oft', and should be planted in 

 very sandy soil in pots under a hand-glass out of doors or in a 

 cold frame ; but if a spent hotbed in which a little bottom- 

 heat remains can be used, so much the better, as it will insure 

 greater success. Those cuttings made of the flower-stems, if 

 the plant is vigorous, are often very successful ; but they must 

 be taken immediately the first indications of the waning of the 

 flowers are observed, as they soon become hard and lifeless, 

 and will not emit roots. They should be cut into lengths of three 

 or four joints, and cut clean over immediately under the lowest 

 joint ; and if very hard, the bark should be slightly scarified 

 with the knife to the extent of i inch above the base of the 

 cutting, to facilitate the callousing process, otherwise they should 

 be treated exactly fike the earlier cuttings. The later cuttings 

 — those procured by the autumn or late summer growth that is 

 made after flowering — are generally the most convenient, as the 

 floral display is not in any way diminished by them ; but the 

 system of annual propagation must be assiduously attended to 

 in order to be able to procure the cuttings, and it is generally 

 advantageous to stimulate the plants immediately after flower- 

 ing, by pricking into the surface with a fork a little fresh loam, 

 and light well-decomposed manure, and by copious watering 

 if necessary. The cuttings, taken as soon as they can be got, 

 should receive the same treatment as the spring cuttings, and 

 they may be wintered in any sheltered warm place out of doors ; 

 but, if convenient, they are better kept in a cold pit, frame, or 

 under a hand or bell glass, where they may be protected from bat- 

 tering rain and severe frost. A very cool treatment must be given 

 them, however, under protection; air to be given in all weather 

 except severe frost, by tilting the protection in wet or snowy 

 weather, and removing it wholly when these do not prevail. 

 They are also propagated by division, both the double and 

 single varieties ; but the method, though less troublesome than 

 that of cuttings, is not so satisfactory and. sure. The best time 

 to divide is immediately after flowering is done ; and if possible 

 a showery period should be chosen in which to perform it, 



