138 HARDY CONIFEROUS TREES. 



From cuttings. — An objection to the raising of cer- 

 tain species, at least of coniferous trees from cuttings, is that 

 they are tardy to produce leading shoots, many naturally 

 upright-habited trees when propagated in this way assuming 

 a creeping habit of growth, and with little or no inclina- 

 tion to start away freely with a single leader. Small- 

 growing conifers, such as the various forms of Cupressus, 

 Juniperus, Thuya, and Taxus, are, however, readily increased 

 by inserting cuttings in previously prepared soil about the 

 end of August. The cuttings, of rare species at least, are 

 usually inserted in pots or boxes of suitable soil, while such as 

 are hardier and more readily procured strike root freely enough 

 when placed in the open border, preferably a sheltered spot 

 under a north wall. Thorough preparation of the soil in 

 which the cuttings are to be inserted is a point of considera- 

 tion, and this should be composed of nearly equal propor- 

 tions of peat, loam, and sharp sand thoroughly consolidated. 

 The choice of cuttings is an equally important point, 

 these being always taken from the outer and exposed 

 branches, those from the interior and shady portions being 

 avoided as difficult to strike, and apt to damp off, this also 

 applying to the succulent portions of the leading shoots and 

 branch tips. The cuttings may be from 4 inches to 6 inches 

 long, should be of the current season's growth, and with a 

 " heel " or shoulder of old wood at the base. In preparing 

 the cutting for inserting in the ground, the lower 2 inches 

 should be made clean of leaves (unless such as are scale-like) 

 or shoots by means of a sharp knife, stripping off the leaves 

 by the fingers being decidedly objectionable. Place the cut- 

 tings about 3 inches deep in the prepared soil, making this 

 quite firm around them, sprinkle a little silver sand over the 

 surface, and moisten lightly. In raising trees from cuttings 

 two points should be borne in mind, first to insert early 

 enough so that the cuttings may be callused over before the 

 winter ; and second, to prevent direct sunshine from striking 

 on them when forming roots in spring. These instructions 

 are equally applicable to cuttings, whether placed in pots, 



