42 VILLA GARDENING PART i 



evergreens early in September, and the deciduous things as soon as 

 the leaves fall. First as to the evergreens. All the Coniferse, 

 such as the Cypress, Biota, Thujopsis, Arborvitse, Yew Tree, etc., 

 should be planted under glass, and during the early stages must 

 be kept close. A cloche or bell-glass will do when only half a 

 dozen cuttings are required, increasing the area according to the 

 number. It is best to raise a mound of prepared compost in which 

 sandy loam and leaf-mould are blended together, with half an inch 

 of clean sand on the top. Make it firm ; if dry, water ; then 

 mark the size of the glass by pressing it down, and dibble in the 

 cuttings, fastening them by pressing the soil round them. Water 

 with a rosed pot, and when the damp condition has passed away 

 put on the glass. The glass should either occupy a shaded 

 position, or else a shade should be employed. When possible the 

 cuttings should be taken off with a heel of old wood, and should 

 be from 5 inches to 8 inches long. They do not involve much 

 labour — just a look occasionally to see that the soil is moist 

 enough to keep the sap fresh that is in motion at the base of the 

 cuttings. 



In the case of the resin-bearing trees the work of healing the 

 wounds and covering them with granulated matter, from which in 

 time roots will issue, is a slow process ; but still it is performed 

 with regularity, and but few failures occur. All we have to do 

 is to keep the cuttings just moist and in a close confined atmo- 

 sphere, to keep the foliage fresh and active till the young rootlets 

 begin to work, then more moisture will be required, and a little 

 ventilation as soon as top-growth begins, till by and by the glasses 

 can be taken oft' altogether; and in course of time the young 

 plants should be transplanted to the reserve garden to prepare 

 them for the lawm or shrubbery. All the choice kinds of ever- 

 greens, such as the Aucubas, Arbutus, Berberis, Euonymus, Coton- 

 easter, Escallonia, etc., will strike well under a glass-light or frame 

 in a shady position. The common things, such as Laurels, Privets, 

 etc., may be planted in rows in the open ground, with just a little 

 litter scattered among them in frosty weather. Boxes strike very 

 well in the open, also in a partially-shaded position on the west 

 side of a wall or fence. In all cases the heel of old wood 

 will expedite the formation of roots; and it is most important 

 that the cuttings be taken from their parents and be trimmed 

 early in autumn. If this be done, they may afterwards be laid in 

 thickly in a shady border and replanted later on. As the Avork 

 of forming the callus Avill be in active operation only of course 

 when finally planted, no more exposure must take place than is 

 absolutely necessary. The cuttings of deciduous trees and shmbs 



