326 



PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 



Fig. 111. 



BULB OF TIGKIDIA. 



eluded from the light, and probably had less heat than the bottom of 

 the bulb. The results were that the roots, or the appendages which 

 would have been roots under natural condi- 

 tions, pushed upward in the form of leaves, as 

 shown in figure 110. This is but another in- 

 stance of the reorganization of cellular matter 

 referred to in a previous chapter. By dividing 

 large, mature bulbs crossways, and inverting 

 the lower section, and planting it in sand, with 

 root surface exposed to the light, sprouts may 

 be obtained in large numbers, each producing a 

 email bulb at its base. The upper half of the 

 bulb may be lightly scarified on the surface, 

 and forced in the same way as though it had 

 not been divided. Irises, Ixias and Pardanthuses 

 are readily propagated by offsets, which are 

 produced very freely. The Tiyridias have rather 

 small, compact bulbs, many in a cluster, or 

 clump, as shown in figure 111. They must be 

 kept in a warm, dry place during the winter 

 months, and when taken up in the fall the leaves and stems should be 

 left entire, and not cut off until towards spring, or after the bulbs have 

 become thoroughly dried. 



Lablatce (Mint Family). A very large order mostly of herbs, usu- 

 ally with scented foliage. Many of the genera furnish medicinal and 

 economical plants, such as Sweet Basil, Horehound, Lavender, Mint, 

 Patchouly, Rosemaiy, Sage and Thyme. These are simple garden herbs, 

 all readily propagated by seed, divisions of the roots, or cuttings of the 

 young shoots planted under glass. The ornamental species of Salvia 

 are mostly natives of warm climates, requiring the temperature of a 

 greenhouse in winter ; but they are readily propagated by seed, and the 

 varieties are usually perpetuated by young plants struck from cuttings 

 taken from oli stock plants kept over for this purpose. The many 

 varieties of Coleus Blumei, of Java, now so common in cultivation, are 

 also propagated by cuttings of the young shoots, and even a single leaf 

 may be utilized for this purpose, roots being freely produced if the cut- 

 tings are kept moist, and in a temperature ranging from sixty to eighty 

 degrees. There is a tuberous-rooted species of the Coleus ( C. tubcrosus) 

 in Madagascar, and although it is said to have been cultivated for cen- 

 turies by the natives, as an article of food, it does not appear to have 

 reached this country. The tubers are preserved in a dry, warm place 

 during winter and planted out in spring. 



Leguminosece (Pulse Family). An extensively and widely distrib- 

 uted order of trees, shrubs, annual and perennial herbs. As the most 

 important of the trees and shrubs of this family have been referred to in 

 preceding chapters, I will notice here only a few genera containing 

 familiar perennial herbaceous plants. Among these are Astragalus, 



