CHAPTER IV 

 CULTIVATION FROM CUTTINGS 



* ' Nature does require 

 Her time of preservation." 



AN enthusiastic Pansy grower used to say that the same 

 laws held good in the plant world as in the animal world, 

 and there is far more in the old gentleman's remark than 

 appears on the surface. I f healthy, robust children, or healthy, 

 robust chickens are desired, it is well to be careful about 

 the parentage. Exactly so with Pansies and Violas. It 

 gives the grower an enormous advantage if he can start 

 with healthy, young plants. If he is quite a beginner he 

 may either have to purchase his plants from a nurseryman, 

 or obtain cuttings from a friend and strike (the gardening 

 term for " root ") them himself. Let us, in the first place, 

 assume that the latter method is adopted. 



During the early summer months he probably visited his 

 friend's garden, jotted down the varieties he liked best, and 

 doubtless bespoke some cuttings at the proper time. What 

 is the proper time ? Any time from July onwards. If the 



plants are wanted for autumn planting and early blooming, 



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