276 ON GRAFTING AND STRIKING CUTTINGS OF THE ROSE. 



will be seen on removing a portion of the bark at the top, the scions 

 may be inserted by cutting a slit about one inch long in the bark of 

 the stock, commencing a few inches from the top, and then cutting 

 horizontally across the top of the first incision, open the bark with a 

 budding-knife, and pare on one side of the scion opposite the bud and 

 about one inch below, to the form of a wedge, leaving the bark on the 

 opposite side entire. After inserting the scion under the bark of the 

 stock, tie round with a little matting, and cover the part with a mix- 

 ture of pitch and bees-wax, and the work is complete. When the 

 stocks are large, two or more scions may be inserted. The upper 

 part of the scions, as well as the stocks, are left until the plants are 

 established, which is generally in a few weeks, if the operation is 

 rightly performed, when they are cut clean off, by allowing one or 

 two inches of wood to remain on the scion above the bud, as well as 

 a few inches on the stock above the grafted part. Chance of success 

 is almost certain. To those who are interested in this art, and pos- 

 sessing the means, they may find the practice of the above method a 

 very interesting employment during the severe weather of winter, 

 besides furnishing their greenhouse stages with this lovely flower the 

 ensuing season. 



It may not be generally known that cuttings of Rosa odorata, and 

 its numerous varieties, are much readier rooted in water than by any 

 other method. When an increase of bushy plants are recmired, in 

 the spring take off cuttings, place six or eight in a pot of water, 

 having previously tied some paper over the top ; the paper cover 

 must have a proper number of small holes around the inside of the 

 rim of the pot for the ends of the cuttings to be passed through, and 

 a larger hole in the centre of the cover in order to supply water there, 

 when the cuttings are thus fixed, plunge the pot to the rim in a hot- 

 bed and shade from hot sun. In three weeks the cuttings may be 

 planted out on a slight hot-bed in a sandy soil, at nine inches apart, 

 watered, and shaded by means of whitewashing the glass at the under 

 side of the sashes, and admitting air throughout the day. In autumn 

 the plants may be potted, and will form neat specimens for flowering 

 the following season. 



