Propagation by Cuttings. 197 
3709. How to Plant Stem Cuttings. The general 
rules given for the planting of seeds (3435) apply with nearly 
equal force to cuttings of the stem. Single-bud cuttings 
should be planted with the bud facing upward, and one- 
half to three-fourths of an inch deep, in order that the de- 
veloping bud may readily reach the surface. Cuttings of 
more than one bud should be placed more or less upright at 
such a depth that the bud at the distal end is about ona 
level with the surface. In cuttings of shrubby plants de- 
sired to produce a single stem, the central buds should be 
rubbed off before planting, leaving but one or two buds at 
the distal end (Fig. 96). 
376. Propagation from Cuttings of the Root. Plants 
that naturally sucker from the roots (347), and some others, 
may be propagated from short pieces of the root (root cut- 
tings). For this purpose roots of the thickness of a lead 
pencil, more or less, are commonly cut into pieces one inch 
to three inches long (Fig. 99), as soon as growth ceases in 
_ autumn, and packed in boxes 
with alternate layers of moist 
sand or moss. The boxes are 
preferably stored in a cool cel- 
Fie. 99. Root cutting of blackberry, 
(After Bailey). lar where they may be examined 
from time to time during winter; the sand or moss should 
be moistened when it appears dry. Root cuttings of differ- 
ent varieties of the same plant often require different degrees 
of temperature to induce the formation of callus and buds, 
hence the boxes should be frequently examined, particularly 
toward spring, in order that those in which the cuttings are 
backward in starting may be placed in a higher temperature. 
Thus treated, root-cuttings of many hardy plants, as the 
