48 ALPINE OR ROCK PLANTS. 



such as Draba verna, D. muralis, but not D. aizoides, 

 a pretty little thing which flowers about the end 

 of March and in April, and is a perennial; Arabis 

 verna, A. arenosa, and others of the genus ; and 

 many others of the Cruciferous plants. Therefore the 

 pots containing these (if the seed be not gathered) 

 should not be touched, as, very likely in a short 

 time the seed will come up strongly, and should be 

 attended to. As to the propagation by cuttings, such 

 as have a tendency to make firm shrubby stems, 

 such as Dianthus, Linaria, Mesembryanthemums, 

 &c., may be increased by this method. The cuttings 

 are taken off the plant, then cut clean across, below 

 the first or second joint, then pricked into pots ; 

 a number may be in each pot, round the rim, filled 

 with sandy loam and leaf mould. These can be 

 placed into the shade, where they strike better than 

 any other way that I am aware of. But, for the 

 latter (Mesembryanthemums), if a slight hotbed be 

 convenient, they will strike more expeditiously ; and 

 when fairly struck, they can be shifted into single 

 pots of the sizes previously recommended. 



For further information regarding this, reference 

 can be had to the Summer Treatment. 



Being finished with the propagation of these, and 

 after the whole have been gone over, weeded, and 

 received a general top dressing, the bench may be 

 thrown into a shed, or any place where it will be 

 at hand when required. The covers may be taken 

 off the frames every fine day after this, and, about 



