PROPAGATION. 41 



The most successful method of striking cuttings of the 

 Conifers is as follows : During the callusing season they 

 should be preserved cool, and the buds prevented from 

 swelling ; but when the action of the sap forces the growth 

 of the cutting, the atmosphere must be kept moist 

 and warm. The waterings and syringings should also be 

 frequent, but care must be taken that the drainage is per- 

 fect ; otherwise, they will assuredly rot. 



The callusing process, which soon ensues after heat is 

 applied, is no criterion that the cutting is about to root, 

 as they will frequently stand for two years in a perfectly 

 quiescent state ; the large, spongy excrescence at the bot- 

 tom gradually enlarging until it has to be removed alto- 

 gether. The Yews are striking examples of this peculiarity, 

 especially the T. adpressa ; and, therefore, for the pur- 

 pose of assisting Nature in her endeavors to form these 

 secondary roots, we remove a portion of the uncouth 

 callus by making a smooth perpendicular cut through the 

 mass, and frequently roots will then emanate from the cut 

 edges in a short tune. 



Evergreens are sometimes grown from what are termed 

 " soft-wood " cuttings, that is, the young wood in a grow- 

 ing state. These are rarely successful if taken from a 

 plant growing in the open air ; but when the old plant 

 forms its new growth under glass, the shoots are then 

 suitable for the operation, and the method is certainly 

 desirable for increasing our stock of new and rare trees. 

 The Lawson's Cypress, which is extremely difficult to 

 grow by the usual mode, succeeds tolerably well under 

 this treatment. The proper season for preparing and 

 setting evergreen cuttings is during the months of October 

 and November, leaving them cool and passive until severe 

 weather sets in, when the heat may be gradually applied 

 until the necessary degree shall be attained. 



In conclusion we desire to add, that as the foregoing 

 sketch is intended only as a guide to the beginner, he will 



