ROOTING CUTTINGS 77 



each of the roots as they are potted or boxed, and when the 

 roots of several varieties are put in the same box take care 

 to avoid mixing the cuttings. Placed in a house in which 

 a temperature of about 65 is maintained, and sprayed 

 overhead with sufficient frequency to maintain a moderate 

 degree of moisture about them, they will soon start into 

 growth. At first the roots may be sprayed with clear 

 water every second day, but at the end of the first week 

 the spraying should be given daily, carried out late in the 

 afternoon, and on the appearance of the young shoots 

 they may be watered in the usual way. 



Within a short time of the commencement of new 

 growth preparations should be made for proceeding with 

 the work of rooting the cuttings. The first growths when 

 2 or 3 inches in length will present so promising an 

 appearance that the inexperienced will not hesitate to utilise 

 them for the increase of stock. Some growers invariably 

 take advantage of such aid as they afford, but the first growths 

 do not make such good plants as the later ones, and should 

 therefore be destroyed. If the second crop of growths will 

 afford a sufficient supply of cuttings they should be taken 

 off close to the tuber by means of a knife. These will have 

 a firm base, and be the most suitable when the cuttings have 

 to be rooted in a lower temperature than that suggested. 

 If the number will not be sufficient allow them to attain a 

 length of 3 inches. Then take them off from f of an 

 inch to i inch above the tubers with a view to avoid 

 injury to the buds around the base of the shoots. These 

 buds, on the removal of the growing shoot, will soon start 

 into active growth, and in due course the resulting shoots 

 will be utilised for propagating purposes. 



