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only practised with sorts which are required to be 
grown upon their own roots, and which do not strike 
freely from cuttings ; for instance, the old and 
other Moss, the Provence and Austrian Roses, &e. 
To obtain proper shoots for layering, the plant 
should be cut down to the surface of the ground 
every year ; young shoots will then be produced. 
These should be layered about June or July, or as 
soon as the shoots become sufficiently hardened to 
bend without breaking. An incision must be made 
at an eye upon the side of the shoot, and gently 
twisted so that the incision be kept open. The 
shoot should then be secured in its position by a 
peg, and covered with earth to the depth of three 
or four inches. In the following spring most of 
these will have formed roots, and may then be taken 
off and planted out ; those not rooted must remain 
down another season. 
Cuttings. — With the exception of the Moss, 
Austrian, and a few other varieties, nearly all may 
be struck from cuttings ; and to obtain plants on 
their own roots this is the most expeditious and 
best system. This mode of propagating Roses 
may be practised throughout spring, summer, and 
autumn ; but the shoot which is to form the cutting 
should in all instances be matured and well ripened. 
The cuttings should be made from three to four 
inches in length, and if a small portion of the old 
wood can be taken off with it, so as to form a heel, 
the cutting will strike more freely. The two or 
three upper leaves should be allowed to remain on 
the cutting until they fall off, when they should be 
