168 PROPAGATION OF SUMMER ROSE?. 



be rotten dung and pit sand in equal quantities, 

 well mixed ; the shoot must then be ' tongued,' i.e. 

 the knife introducedjustbelowa bud, and brought 

 upwards, so as to cut about half way through ; 

 this must be done at the side or back of the shoot 

 (not by any means at the front or in the bend), 

 so that the tongue does not close ; to make this 

 certain a small piece of glass or thin earthenware 

 may be introduced to keep it open. Much nicety 

 is required to have the tongue at the upper part 

 of the shoot, so as not to be in the part which 

 forms the bow, as it is of consequence that it 

 should be within two inches of the surface, so as 

 to feel the effects of the atmospheric heat ; unless 

 this is attended to, the roots will not be emitted 

 quickly ; the tongued part must be placed in the 

 centre of the compost, and a moderate-sized stone 

 put on the surface of the ground to keep the 

 layer in its place. The first week in November 

 the layers must be taken from the parent plant, 

 and either potted as required, or planted out 

 where they are to remain. Those shoots not long 

 enough in July and August may be layered in 

 October, when the layers are taken from the' 

 stools, and, if any are forgotten, February and 

 March will be the most favourable months for 

 the operation ; as a general rule, July is the most 

 proper season. 



