OTHER METHODS OF PROPAGATION 



327 



tions, they can produce roots, also. Therefore, if a node puts 

 out a branch, which is merely a new stem, and at the same 

 time strikes root, a new and independent plant is started. 

 It is evident, therefore, that propagation by cuttings is 

 secured by planting nodes, and that a good vigorous node 

 should be able to produce a new plant, which is a vegetative 

 continuation of the old plant. Not only are cuttings of 

 stems used for propagation, but also in some cases cuttings 

 of roots and leaves. 



It must be understood that propagation by cuttings is not 

 used with all cultivated plants, and it is not known how many 

 of them could be propagated in this way. Some of the more 

 important plants propagated by cuttings and the general 

 method of procedure may be indicated by a few illustrations. 

 The details differ more or less for each kind of plant propa- 

 gated in this way, and 

 facility in this work can 

 only be secured by learn- 

 ing what is necessary in 

 each case and by practice. 



A conspicuous illustra- 

 tion of the use of stem 

 cuttings is in the propaga- 

 tion of grapes. In this 

 case the stems of the cur- 

 rent year are secured late 

 in the season, before severe 

 cold, and either stored or 

 made into cuttings at 

 once. When either stems 

 or cuttings are stored, they must be kept in a cool place 

 and prevented from drying out by some such covering as 

 fresh moss or earth. The usual practice in making the 

 cuttings is to include at least two nodes (indicated by buds), 

 the cutting thus being six inches or more long, the upper cut 



M^?f^^' : 





FIG. 11. A cutting in position in a trench. 

 After BAILEY. 



