PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 77 



ing them. I will state, however, that after they are 

 potted off, carefully shading from the hot sun is neces- 

 sary until the root strikes through to the side of the pot. 

 I have found it to be a great help in propagating 

 in summer to sift a thin layer of fine moss or cocoa- 

 nut fiber over the Rose cuttings after potting. This 

 keeps them moist, acting as a mulch, and also, after they 

 have rooted, it keeps them cool in hot weather, both 

 materials being excellent non-conductors. 



It is a curious fact that, no matter how healthy Rose 

 cuttings may be when growing in the open ground, they 

 can rarely be got in condition, during the summer 

 months, to root. I have tried them at all seasons and 

 in all conditions, but do not think I ever made a success 

 during the months of June, July, or August. They in- 

 variably drop their leaves, and this means failure every 

 time. Why they should do so more than those grown 

 inside, I have never yet been able to discover, but that 

 such are the facts any one trying it will very quickly 

 find out. My experience in this matter has been con- 

 fined to the latitude of New York. I believe that in 

 some sections of the country, by the shoots becoming 

 better ripened, they may be successfully propagated 

 from out-door wood in the summer. 



Hybrid Perpetual and even Monthly Roses, however, 

 can be propagated from cuttings of well-ripened hard 

 wood grown in the open ground, put in in October 

 or November in any place, (a cold green-house or a cold 

 frame,) where they can be kept just above the freezing 

 point at night; say from 32 to 40, with 10 to 15 more 

 during the day. They must not get much frost, though 

 a few degrees would do no harm, except to retard them; 

 but artificial heat, for any length of time, above 40 to 

 hard wood cuttings is almost certain to destroy them, I 



