PROPAGATING CONIFERS 



209 



It should be stated that the weights of many 

 coniferous tree seeds va.ry greatly according to 

 the age of the specimen producing them, and situa- 

 tion in which it is growdng. In compiling the 

 above table, three lots of seeds of several species, 

 collected from different trees, were weighed, and 

 the averages are recorded. Newly collected seeds 

 were invariably used in compiling the table. 



From Cuttings. — An objection to the raising 

 of certain 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, with little or no inclination 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 in- 

 serted 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, 



