196 AGRONOMY 



PRACTICAL EXERCISES 



1. From pictures, from dried specimens, and from plants in the gar- 

 den, learn to recognize the various forms by which plants are propagated 

 vegetatively. 



2. In the school garden examine all the crops grown, with a view 

 to propagating them. Which are most susceptible to treatment in this 

 way, the crop plants or the permanent species? Can you discover the 

 reason for the difference? 



3. In the borders find plants to illustrate propagation by each of 

 the methods given in this book. Make a list of them. 



4. Make softwood cuttings and root them in the hotbed or cold 

 frame. 



5. In autumn make hardwood cuttings of all the types mentioned, 

 and store as required. In spring, if cuttings of this kind have been left 

 by a former class, try rooting them in the cold frame, in the hot bed, or 

 in the open. 



6. Layer any vine that may be convenient in the school garden. 

 Try layering currant bushes for planting later at home. 



7. If cions are at hand in time to graft, make several kinds of whip 

 grafts. If materials for practical grafting are not at hand, make grafts 

 of any twigs for practice. 



8. Plant seeds of different trees in the experiment plots, for use of 

 the next class in budding and grafting. 



9. Bud a convenient plum or peach tree. Each class should plant 

 seeds to produce young trees for this purpose for the next class. If your 

 budding operation is successful, take the plant home and set it out. 



10. If a large peach or plum tree is available, set in it buds from 

 other trees bearing different kinds of the same fruit. One may have 

 specimens of all the kinds in the neighborhood by this method. 



11. Make grafting wax and carry some home for use in your own 

 grounds. 



References 



Bailey, "Manual of Gardening." 

 Goff, " Principles of Plant Culture." 



Farmers' Bulletins 



157. The Propagation of Plants. 



408. School Exercises in Plant Production. 



