IN FLORIDA 31 
ground, often in a sloping position, to within a couple of inches 
of their tops. Then I firm the earth around them and drench 
them with water. They should be kept warm and moist but not 
too wet. If one could have bottom heat for the tenderer kinds 
it would be a great advantage. Cuttings of most tropical things 
must be rooted (unless one has a warm place) in the growing 
season. Those of hardy plants can be rooted in winter. They 
may go in a slat house or even a well-sheltered spot out of doors. 
Great care should be exercised in lifting out rooted cuttings not 
to break off the delicate roots. If a number are rooted in a pot 
the ball of earth can be carefully turned out and the soil washed 
from the roots. I prefer to let cuttings of wooded plants stand 
until their roots have hardened a little before transplanting 
them. 
Cuttings taken from plants growing in pots or boxes root much 
more readily than those from plants which are growing in the 
open ground. Cuttings of Oleanders, rose and zonale Geraniums 
are often troubled with a blight, probably some sort of a fungus, 
and either will not root or die soon after doing so. I know no 
remedy for this but it might be a good idea to dip the cuttings in 
Bordeaux mixture or sprinkle them with sulfur before putting 
them in to root. Oleanders and some other hardy shrubs may 
be rooted in winter by taking large cuttings, a half inch to an 
inch in diameter, defoliating them and planting them to within 
a couple of inches of their tops in damp ground. 
Layering may be successfully practiced with many things which 
have branches near the ground, or as is sometimes done, with 
small limbs at some distance above the ground by making a stage 
on which to set a pot or box filled with soil. Itis better to cut a 
slit in the branch, holding it open with a bit of wood. Make an 
excavation in the earth and bury the cut part a few inches in it, 
fastening the limb down if necessary with a small wooden fork. 
If the ground becomes dry it is well to water it. 
Some things, including most of the Ficus, are best propagated 
by air layering. Prepare asmall limb on the tree in the same way 
as for ground layering, wrap it well with sphagnum, tying it on 
thoroughly. This should be done during the rainy season; if 
it gets dry water should be applied. In a few weeks roots will 
