28 PANSY, VIOLA AND VIOLET 



As soon as the plants are in a good condition for 

 taking cuttings, a frame of shallow build, with a moderate 

 slope, should be prepared in which to insert them. If 

 possible a warm but shady aspect should be chosen ; and 

 the area within the frame, having been well forked over 

 and levelled, the compost should be introduced. 



A series of small frames will be found to answer 

 rather better than one large one, as in the former case 

 the plants can be got at much more easily and attended 

 to with greater comfort. This is worth remembering, 

 as it is well to have all the plants within reach when 

 weeding is necessary, and for any minor attentions which 

 the plants may require. Of course a frame-light will be 

 required over each frame, and this must be kept on 

 during severe weather and until the cuttings are well 

 rooted. 



If July propagation is practised, the cutting bed should 

 be in a shady position, and protection given as much as 

 possible from the heat of the sun. A length of thin 

 canvas securely fastened down on the frame-lights main- 

 tains the cuttings in fine condition until they are rooted, 

 when the lights should be removed. Air should be 

 admitted during the rooting process by raising the lights 

 as often as possible, and by removing them altogether 

 at night. 



The compost used for rooting cuttings should consist 

 of the same ingredients as that advised for seed-sowing, 

 made up as follows : equal parts of loam, leaf soil and 

 sharp sand ; to these should be added one part of well 

 rotted horse manure, such as the spent manure from a 

 mushroom bed or cucumber frame. The ingredients 

 should be well sifted, and the whole thoroughly 

 mixed. 



When levelled, it should be firmly pressed down with 

 a board or the back of a spade. Great care should be 

 exercised to see that the soil is quite firm, as otherwise 



