284= PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 



of commerce. There are, however, quite a number of species of trees 

 and shrubs belonging to this genus, that arc well worthy of cultivation 

 for ornamental purposes, but not for their fruit. The Olive is readily 

 propagated by cuttings of the ripe wood, old branches taking root even 

 more freely than the one-year-old. In warm climates, where the Olive 

 flourishes, the cuttings are planted in the open ground in the autumn. 

 In European countries large truncheons or cuttings are used instead of 

 those of moderate size and length, but for no better reason than because 

 it is the general practice or custom, just as long cuttings are used in 

 propagating the grape in the same countries, instead of very short ones, 

 as in this country. Chips cut from an old Olive tree stem will readily 

 produce sprouts, if planted in a warm soil and kept moist ; in fact, the 

 entire surface of this tree will produce adventitious buds very freely, if 

 placed in a position to receive heat and moisture. 



Osmanthus (Japan Holly). A genus of neat little evergreen shrubs, 

 of the " Olive Family," from Japan. Flowers small, white and very fra- 

 grant. Not hardy in the north, but often cultivated in greenhouses. 

 There are several species or varieties in cultivation under such names as 

 O. aquifolium, 0. fragrans, and 0. ilicifoliits. Propagated by cuttings 

 under glass. 



Ostrya (Iron-Wood, Hop-Hornbeam). Slender, deciduous, hardy 

 trees, with very firm, hard wood. One American species, 0. Virginica, 

 and one European, 0. vulgaris. Propagated by seed, layers, and graft- 

 ing in the open air. 



Oxydendrum (Sorrel Tree). Only one species, the 0. arboreum, 

 native of Ohio and south. A rather scarce tree, growing fifteen to 

 twenty, and even fifty feet high ; leaves rather acid to the taste 

 when yoting ; very smooth, glossy green when mature, but in autumn 

 changing to a dark crimson color, even before they are touched by frost. 

 Propagated by seed sown in frames, lightly covered with fine soil, and 

 kept shaded and moist until they germinate. The young plants are 

 exceedingly delicate, and require great care and attention to keep them 

 growing through the first season. Layering is practicable, if strong, old 

 plants are headed back for the purpose of producing sprouts suitable 

 for layers, but roots are produced very slowly from layered shoots, how- 

 ever carefully the operation is performed. 



Pceonia (Paeony). A genus of well-known, tuberous-rooted, herba- 

 ceous and shrubby plants, with very large, showy flowers. Mostly natives 

 of Siberia and China. One herbaceous species (P. Brownii} indigenous 

 to California and northward. Herbaceous varieties propagated by divid- 

 ing the crowns bearing a terminal bud on each division or tuber, as 

 adventitious buds are seldom or never produced below the crown. 

 Shrubby species are propagated by division, layers, and cuttings taken 

 off late in summer, with a heel or a piece of the preceding year's wood 

 attached, and planted in a cool greenhouse, or in a frame where they 

 can be given sufficient protection to prevent freezing during the winter. 



