262 Propagation of Stove and Greenhouse Exotics. 



crises, and all such fine-leaved, delicate kinds should not be 

 planted any deeper than absolutely necessary ; but there are 

 other sorts which will require to be planted deeper. 



After the cuttings are planted, and well fastened in the pots 

 of sand, give a slight watering; place the bell-glasses over 

 them ; and let each be taken to their respective departments, 

 — the stove kinds to a bark bed with a moist heat, and the 

 greenhouse kinds to the front shelves in the greenhouse, — 

 taking care to shade them when the sun is powerful, and to 

 wipe the bell-glasses dry every morning ; if this is not attend- 

 ed to, the moisture accumulating on the sides of the glass will 

 cause the cuttings to turn mouldy, and eventually die off, 

 even after they have struck root. When the sand appears dry 

 on top, give sufficient water in the morning to reach the bot- 

 tom of the sand. From June to October, the greenhouse kinds 

 may be plunged out of doors in a dry, shaded border, when 

 any that remain without rooting must be taken to their former 

 quarters. While plunged out of doors, they should be de- 

 fended from heavy rains. 



The sooner cuttings are potted off, after they are rooted, the 

 better ; let thumb-pots be used for this purpose, and, when 

 potted and watered, let them be kept close for a time, till they 

 get somewhat established, being careful that they are shaded 

 regularly when necessary : if any of them are drawn up 

 weakly, let their tops be pinched off, which will encourage 

 them to push strong and bushy. Those of the stove kinds 

 not struck must remain in the bark bed, and not be removed 

 till rooted. Geraniums, verbenas, &c., may be struck in a 

 warm border any time during the summer ; but when a large 

 stock is required, the best time is September. There is an 

 erroneous opinion entertained by many gardeners that a plant 

 can only be preserved for a few years by cuttings, and that it 

 is only by such that a plant can be raised so as to be propa- 

 gated successively for ages. For my part, if I get a plant to 

 strike root and thrive, I would not have any dread of losing 

 it afterwards. 



Staten Island, N. Y., May 20, 1847. 



Mr. Kennedy's article will be continued in our next num- 

 ber. It is unnecessary for us to say that his letters show him 

 to be a perfect master of his professsion. — Ed. 



