THE HANDLING OF THE PLANTS 



121 



the main veins cut; then the leaf is weighted down with pebbles 



or pegs so that these cut surfaces come into intimate contact 



with the soil beneath. The usual 



way, however, is to cut a triangular 



piece of the leaf (Fig. 125) and 



insert the tip in sand. So long 



as the cutting is alive, do not 



be discouraged, even if it do not 



start. 



125. Leaf-cutting. 



General treatment of cuttings. 



In the growing of all greenwood 

 and leaf -cuttings, it is well to remem- 

 ber that they should have a gentle 

 bottom heat; the soil should be 

 such that it will hold moisture 

 and yet not remain wet; the air 

 about the tops should not become 

 close and stagnant, else the plants will damp off; and the tops 

 should be shaded for a tune. In order to control all the 

 conditions, such cuttings are grown under 

 cover, as in a greenhouse, coldframe, or a 

 box in the residence window. 



An excellent method of starting cut- 

 tings in the living room is to make a double 

 pot, as shown in Fig. 126. Inside a 6-in. 

 pot set a 4-in. pot. Fill the bottom, a, with 

 gravel or bits of brick, for drainage. Plug 



126. Cuttings inserted 

 in a double pot. 



the hole in t^ o inside pot. Fill the spaces 



between, c, with earth, and in this set the 

 cuttings. Water may be poured into the inner pot, 6, to 

 supply the moisture. 



