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THE FLORAL WOELD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



prefer to cut the shoot quite close under a joint, so as to obtain 

 roots from that joint. But there is no occasion to cut to a joint; 

 any plant ordinarily propagated for the garden, will root as quickly 

 from the "internode" — that is, the portion of stem intermediate 

 between two joints — as from the joints themselves. This is of great 

 importance when cuttiDgs are scarce : as a shoot will often furnish 

 half-a-dozen cuttings, if taking them at a joint is of no consequence ; 

 and only one or two, perhaps, if taking them at a joint is imperative. 



CUTTING OF VEEONICA. 



The size of the cuttings is a matter of great importance. As a 

 rule, the smaller they are the better. Still, if very soft, many may 

 damp oft' unless very skilfully handled, so the amateur must secure 

 them moderately firm. Three or four joints will generally suffice of 

 most things, or say nice plump shoots of from one to two inches 

 long. If young side-shoots are scarce, longer shoots may be cut up 

 in lengths of three joints ; and if it is a question of raisiDg the 

 largest possible number of plants from the fewest cuttings, then one 



