210 CONIFEROUS TREES 



preferably in 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 

 proportions 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, 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 cuttings 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 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, pans, or boxes 

 in an unheated frame. The soil should be 

 kept in a uniform state of moisture, and the 

 lights tilted for an hour or two every morning 

 to prevent too humid an atmosphere, and the 



