232 PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 



light, rich soil. To hasten germination the seed should be soaked in 

 warm water for two or three days before sowing. 



Magnolia (Cucumber Tree, Etc.) A genus of highly ornamental 

 deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, natives of America, China 

 and Japan. A few of the species grow to a large size, and are valuable 

 timber trees, notably the common Cucumber tree (M. acuminatd). Prop- 

 agated by seeds, layers, budding and grafting. The seed should not 

 be allowed to get thoroughly dry, but as soon as removed from the pulpy 

 covering, be mixed with sand and sown immediately, or buried in boxes 

 in the open ground for the winter ; then taken out in early spring and 

 sown in frames where water can be supplied, and the young plants 

 shaded when they first appear above ground. Layers put down in early 

 spring and notched, or a tongue made on the under side, will usually 

 become well furnished with roots the first season ; if not, they should be 

 allowed to remain undisturbed a year longer. Budding is a rather un- 

 certain mode of propagation, but with rapid growing stocks and plump 

 mature buds moderate success may be obtained, even in cool climates. 

 Grafting under glass, employing stocks grown in pots, is the most certain 

 mode for increasing varieties and rare species. (See Veneer Grafting, 

 Chapter XVII, and for Stocks, Chapter XVIII.) 



Mahonia. See llsx, Bcrberis, Aqmfolium. 



Malvaviscus (Scarlet Mallow). Evergreen shrubs of the " Mallow 

 Family," from Texas and tropical America. Flowers scarlet, of a 

 peculiar convolute or twisted appearance, not opening broad, as in the 

 Abutilon and other closely allied plants. The most familiar species is the 

 M. arboreus, often cultivated under the name of Achania Malvaviscus. 

 It does not seed freely in cultivation, but is easily propagated by cuttings 

 made of the short side shoots, removed with a heel, or close to the old 

 wood. 



Mangifera (East India Mango). Evergreen tropical trees, bearing 

 very large fruit, that of some varieties of delicious flavor ; others 

 have the taste and fragrance of turpentine. The Mango is called the 

 "Apple of the tropics," and it is now largely cultivated in the West 

 Indies and throughout tropical America. It is occasionally cultivated in 

 conservatories. Readily propagated by cuttings of the ripened wood 

 planted in sand. 



Melastoma. A genus of tropical evergreen shrubs, mostly with 

 large purple flowers, blooming freely in summer. The petals soon 

 drop when cut from the plant ; only a few of the species cultivated in 

 this country. Readily propagated by cuttings under glass. 



Mella (Pride of India, China Tree). A genus of large, handsome, 

 ornamental trees, mostly evergreen and native of tropical countries. 

 One spcc-ios, the M. Azsdamc7i, a deciduous tree from Persia, has long 

 been cultivated in the Southern States under the name of China Tree. 

 The fruit resembles in size and form the common cherry, and it is eaten 



