254 PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 



ones, are readily propagated by cuttings of the roots taken off when the 

 plants are in a dormant state in the fall. The root cuttings should be 

 preserved in sphagnum, or sharp sand, until spring, or the hardy species 

 planted out in the nursery and the tender ones forced under glass. Some 

 of the tropical species are not so easily propagated as the hardy, but 

 they may be grafted under glass, using stocks of the more free-growing 

 sorts for this purpose. All the species may be increased by seeds, when- 

 ever these can be procured. 



Araticaria (Norfolk Island Pine, Etc.) A genus of cone-bearing 

 evergreen trees, natives of the Southern Hemisphere, none of the species 

 quite hardy in our Northern States, although often cultivated in tubs 

 and pots for decorative purposes ; protection being given them during 

 the winter. Propagation by seeds is the most satisfactoiy method, but 

 all may be multiplied by layers and cuttings ; the latter should be made 

 from the ends of the shoots, and placed in sand and in a rather cool 

 house until callused, then given a higher temperature. 



Arbutus (Strawberry Tree). Evergreen trees and shrubs. Some of 

 the species are hardy, others require the protection of a greenhouse. 

 Propagated by seeds sown in the fall or early in spring, and by layers ; 

 also by budding on strong seedling stocks. 



Arctostaphylos (Bear Berry). A genus of low-growing and trailing 

 shrubs, closely allied to the last, and propagated by similar methods. 



Ardisia.A very extensive genus of evergreen trees and shrubs, all 

 of tropical or semi-tropical origin, cultivated principally for their orna- 

 mental berries, which are quite persistent, remaining on the plant 

 several months after they have assumed their brilliant colors. Propa- 

 gated by seed sown as soon as ripe, and by cuttings of the half-ripened 

 shoots, planted in frames or under bell glasses. 



Aristolochia (Birthworts). A genus of about one hundred and 

 seventy species, mostly twining shrubs, the large majority being natives 

 of tropical countries. There are a half-dozen species indigenous to the 

 United States. The Dutchman's Pipe (A. Sipho), is a species in common 

 cultivation, as it is one of the most hardy. Propagated by layers, cut- 

 tings of the roots, or of the green shoots planted under glass. 



Artocarpus (Bread Fruit). A genus of evergreen tropical trees, 

 requiring a high temperature to insure a healthy growth and perfection 

 of their fruit. The true Bread Fruit (A. incisa), is sometimes cultivated 

 for its ornamental foliage, but the fruit seldom reaches maturity, except 

 in the tropics. The species of this genus are all difficult to propagate 

 under artifical conditions. Cuttings and suckers may be utilized for this 

 purpose, but do not grow very readily or freely. 



Asimina (Papaw, Custard Apple). A genus of North America- 

 trees and shrubs of the order Anonacecc or Custard Apple Family, 

 The large Papaw (A. trilobd), is a well-known small tree, extending 

 from Lake Erie, in the north, to the Gulf of Mexico, in the south. 



