CHAPTER III. 



PROPAGATION. 



The propagation of the Coniferse is, perhaps, the most 

 difficult, and the least understood, of that of any order 

 of plants grown by our nurserymen. The vicissitudes 

 of a changeable and severe climate, with its conse- 

 quent cold and wet winters, followed by hot and dry sum- 

 mers, render the operation extremely precarious and 

 uncertain, even under the hands of the most experienced 

 propagator. Foreign gardeners upon their arrival in this 

 country, feel confident the difficulties have been overrated, 

 and therefore proceed in the course practised in the old 

 country; a very short experience, however, convinces 

 them of their mistake, and compels a resort to artificial 

 means to accomplish what they have been accustomed at 

 home to leave to nature. 



Conifers are increased by the seed, by cuttings, layers, 

 and grafts. 



SEEDLIXGS. " A seed," says Lindley, " is a living body 

 separated from its parent, and capable of growing into a, 

 new individual of the same species. It is a reproductive 

 fragment, or vital point, containing within itself all the 

 elements of life, which, however, can only be called into 

 action by special circumstances." It is important to know 

 what external causes affect the vitality of seeds, and in- 

 duce or retard their germination. 



A seed contains a delicate little embryo, which consists 

 of cotyledons or seed-leaves, and a radicle or primary stem, 

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