140 HARDY CONIFEROUS TREES. 



taken, and after a complete union is effected the head of the 

 stock may be gradually shortened back to the point where 

 grafting took place. The graft should be placed low on the 

 stock, or so as not to be noticeable above ground level. 



By layering'. — Several species of Picea and other coni- 

 fers may be increased by layering the lower branches, but 

 this system is rarely carried out. It consists in bending the 

 branch down to ground level amongst previously prepared 

 soil of a sandy, open nature, and where it is kept in position 

 by means of a hooked peg until roots are emitted. After 

 becoming rooted the branch is severed beyond the peg, or 

 rather between the peg and the main stem, and the offshoot 

 allowed to remain in the same position for another year, after 

 which it may be carefully lifted, and either planted out 

 permanently or transferred to the nursery border. Erect- 

 growing plants are rarely obtained by layering. 



