Methods of Propagation 



up or dividing the tufts into several portions, each containing a supply 

 of roots. This operation is done either in the spring or in the autumn. 

 If plants flower naturally during the spring and summer months they 

 are usually best divided in the autumn; but if they flower in late 

 summer and autumn they are generally best divided in the spring. Cir- 

 cumstances, however, may necessitate plants being divided at any season 

 if it is desired to raise stock quickly without risking the life of the 

 plants. Many plants that 

 do not produce seeds or 

 spores can only be propa- 

 gated by division. Many 

 Orchids, Ferns (e.g. Adi- 



\ o 



antum Farleyense, and 

 Nephrolepis), and Bamboos 

 are raised in this way, as 

 it is the only one possible. 

 Budding-. The art of 

 budding consists in remov- 

 ing a bud from one plant 

 and inserting it partly be- 

 neath the bark in another 

 growing plant in such a 

 way that it will obtain 

 nourishment from its host, 

 and eventually bear flowers 

 or fruits. In the open air 

 budding is generally prac- 

 tised from the end of July 



and during August, but 

 may be done as late as 

 September under abnormal 

 circumstances, such as a 



particularly hot and dry F 'g- 73. Shoot of Apple arising from Bud inserted in Stock close 

 T.I to Ground Line, the Stock being cut back to form a stake to which 



season, when the sap may y0 ung shoots are tied 

 not flow freely until the 



weather becomes cooler, or until rain falls. Under glass, budding may be 

 practised almost at any season when the buds and stocks are in a suffi- 

 ciently advanced condition, but from January to March is the usual time. 

 Only dicotyledonous plants can be budded or grafted, because they possess 

 a cambium (see p. 36), and it is essential also that the bud or graft and 

 the stock should be in the same family and closely related. Otherwise 

 the difference in constitution and nature might be so great that union 

 would be impossible. Thus Roses are budded on Brier or Manetti Rose 

 stocks; Apples on Crab-apple, Paradise, Doucin, or free stocks; Pears OD 

 Pear or Quince stocks; Plums, Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Cherries 

 on Plum stocks, and so on with other groups of plants (fig. 73). 



