CULTURE 13 



A list should be kept and the numbers frequently 

 gone over, and only those retained which are necessary for 

 cuttings. A cold frame may be utilised to store some 

 in, failing house room, but the frost must be kept at bay. 



The soil for cuttings should consist of leaf-soil loam, 

 and some clean, sharp sand. The two former should be 

 passed through a sieve of f -inch mesh. The proportions 

 should be about 2 parts leaf soil, 2 of loam, and I of 

 sand, well rn^ed together. 



The pots for single cuttings should be about 2 J inches 

 diameter. They must be scrupulously clean, both inside 

 and out. If new ones, a soaking in clean water for 

 half-an-hour will improve them. 



To place a cutting or plant into a dirty pot is a system 

 to be condemned, as eventually when the plant makes 

 roots, and requires moving into a large pot, it will not 

 come away readily ; the roots cling to the sides of the 

 dirty pot in such a way that many will be broken and 

 torn, besides loosening the ball of soil, ere a separation 

 is effected. 



This needs only putting into practice to be proved, 

 and it seldom or never happens, if clean pots with a 

 fairly smooth inside surface are used. 



The period for taking cuttings may commence about 

 the second or third week in December, and be continued 

 on through January and February into spring, according 

 to the varieties and quantities required, and whether for 

 early or late work. 



Some growers don't begin cuttings until the New 

 Year, as they maintain the root action is quicker then and 

 propagation is easier. 



No set rule can be laid down as to the exact time 

 of commencing -, much depends on the condition of one's 

 plants and inclinations. 



A few crocks should be broken small and placed in 

 the bottom of each pot, and over this a little moss or 



