PROPAGATION OF FRUIT PLANTS. 



133 



root from which they grow. In the case of the plum, two or 

 three inches of the main root is sufficient. 

 Propagation by Layers. 



(a) The easiest and best way of increasing many orna- 

 mental as well as fruit 

 plants is by layering. 

 Spring layers are made by 

 laying down any portion 

 of the plant in the spring. 



(b) Summer layers 

 are made in the summer, 

 generally in July, from 

 wood of the same season's 

 growth. 



(c) Mound layering is 

 used for propagating the 

 gooseberry, currant and 

 quince. 



(d) Layers may be 

 made at any time, al- 

 though roots may not form 

 for a year or more. 



(e) Layers should be 

 taken up wh-en well root- 

 ed and dormant. This is 

 generally in the autumn 

 of the first year or in the 

 following spring. 



Fig. 66. Gooseberry that has 

 been mound layered. 



(f) Layering is adapted to such fruits as the grape, cur- 

 rant, gooseberry and black raspberry. 

 Propagation by Cuttings. 



(a) Various portions of plants may be used for propagating 

 plants. Cuttings may be made of the ripened wood of the 

 branches in the case of the gooseberry, currant, grape, quince 

 and Kieffer pear. 



(b) Cuttings may be made of the roots, as in the red 

 raspberry, blackberry and some kinds of the Morello cherries 

 and plums. Plants grown in this way from cuttings are gen- 

 erally better than those grown from sprouts. 



