312 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



in Diagram 52. The best time to strike them is during early 

 autumn, and if they be inserted in sandy soil in a cold frame they 

 will root during the whiter and be ready for planting out in spring. 



Of all the methods of propagation that are open to the gardener 

 to adopt that known as root division is most easy to perform and 

 most certain hi its results. The plants which lend themselves 

 readily to this treatment are numerous. Among them may be 

 mentioned polyanthuses, auriculas, pinks, columbines, primroses, 

 irises, London pride, arabis, aubretia, and violets, in addition to 

 a whole host of hardy perennials whose culture is discussed in 

 Chapter VI. 



Division of roots may be performed with success at two stages 

 of the plant's development. The first is soon after it has finished 

 flowering ; the second is a few weeks in advance of the time at 

 which it will bloom. Generally these opportunities will come 

 either in spring or autumn. Care must be taken in making the 

 division that the severed pieces have roots attached to them, and 

 that these are firmly planted in well-dug soil. Damp showery 

 weather should be chosen for the operation. Where this is not 

 possible, and the work has to be done when the ground is parched, 

 the newly planted roots will need to be well supplied with water at 

 the outset and kept moist until they have taken a firm hold of the 

 soil. 



By the aid of the diagrams and the foregoing hints the beginner 

 will be able to master the first principles of propagating plants by 

 means of cuttings, layers and division of roots, and he can put them 

 to practical use and extend the scope of his operations as time and 

 opportunity permit. 



