252 PRACTICAL GAEDENING. 



unless changes can be rendered profitable or advantageous, 

 they are of little value. Every leaf of the orange and camellia 

 covers a bud, and we know we can form a plant of a bud and 

 a leaf. Leaves are only used as the means of propagation in 

 such plants as are of a different structure, and which afford 

 no readier means. Upon the whole, then, we may conclude, 

 that there are several conditions which apply generally to the 

 propagation of plants by cuttings : — 



First. — The more tender the fibres and the more delicate 

 the plant, the more light and free must be the soil to strike 

 them in. 



Second. — Hence, silver sand is one of the best mediums 

 with which to surround the stem, and exclude the atmosphere 

 from the base. 



Third. — But as there is no sustenance to be derived from 

 sand, there should be a proper soil into which a cutting can 

 immediately send its roots in search of the food it requires. 



Fourth. — That the base should in every case be excited 

 more than the portion above the soil. 



Fifth. — Therefore, bottom heat in a moderate or a large 

 degree, according to the temperature above, should be supplied. 



Sixth. — That where cuttings have leaves, as in evergreens, 

 evaporation tends to exhaust the sap, and should be prevented 

 as much as possible. 



Seventh. — Therefore, hand or bell glasses are necessary to 

 cover all such cuttings as are taken from growing or evergreen 

 plants. 



Eighth. — And, as the sun would greatly accelerate evapora- 

 tion, cuttings should invariably be shaded. 



Mnth. — That as deciduous plants have a period of rest, 

 and that is of some months' duration, the fall of the leaf, 

 which indicates the commencement of this rest, is the proper 

 time to take cuttings. 



Tenth. — And that, besides, the autumn finds the ground in 

 the best state to give the advantage of a higher temperature 

 for its base than the top experiences, and this condition pre- 

 ponderates through the whole winter months, so that the base 

 of the cutting is prepared to support the spring buds as soon 

 as the genial weather excites to growth. 



Of course, we have presumed that the cuttings have been 

 prepared with proper care as directed ; and though we have 

 stated the conditions req^uired by the most dehcate, the more 



