44 FRUIT GARDEN COMPANION. 



tree, where the shoots are thick, they are oftentimes 

 soft and succulent, and hence improper. 



The choice of ground for this purpose, is very 

 important : it should, if possible, be chosen in a 

 shady place, where the sun and air can have free 

 influence ; the soil should be of a rich light loamy 

 nature, with a portion of sand, in order that the 

 cuttings may callous, and root more freely. 



ART. 3. Increase by Layers. 



Many kinds of fruit trees, as the currant, the 

 gooseberry, grape, &o., are increased from their 

 parent, by layers ; this business is generally perform- 

 ed in the spring, although, in some cases, the fall is 

 preferred, in order to forward the business in the 

 spring. However, the spring is the most to be 

 preferred, as at that time the layers strike root much 

 more freely ; besides, the business can be done much 

 more expeditiously. 



The most general method of performing this busi- 

 ness, is to prepare the earth around the parent plant 

 by digging and well working the ground ; this done, 

 the layers are to be chosen of young slender shoots, 

 and if of one year's growth the better, but if of 

 thrifty growth, two or three years' growth will do. 

 Having selected out the intended layers, bend them 

 gently down to the earth's surface in an opposite di- 

 rection from the part in the plant they grow in ; this 

 done, make an incision with a sharp knife for the 

 part that they may throw out roots. 



The incision or cut is made by placing the heel 

 of the knife to a bud, (at a distance where the shoot 

 can be conveniently laid in the ground,) cutting the 



