PROPAGATION OF FRUIT PLANTS. 



135 



Fig. 67. Cuttings properly planted out. 



(c) Set cuttings deep so that the upper bud will come just 

 at the surface of the ground. Do not have over one inch of 

 long cuttings above ground. 



(d) Set the cuttings slanting, i. e., at an angle of 45 or 

 at half-pitch. This is preferred to setting straight, as they re- 

 main firm better when thus planted. 



(e) In making cuttings, plan to have at least one bud with- 

 in one inch of the top end. 



The Solar Pit. There are many trees that will not grow 

 from cuttings unless they have their roots started a little be- 

 fore planting. This is most easily accomplished by what is 

 known as "the solar pit", which owes its success to the fact 



that cuttings root first at 

 the warmer end. It is 

 made and used as follows: 

 The bundles of cuttings 

 are heeled-in as recom- 

 mended. In the spring 

 they are taken out and 



* 



buried close together with 



Fig. 68. Solar pit with cuttings tied the butt nds uppermost 

 in bundles and buried. m a warm, sunny spot 



and covered with about six inches of soil. A hotbed frame 

 with sash is then put over them to warm the soil. Sometimes, 



