PREFACE. 



THIS little handbook aims at nothing more :han an 

 account of the methods commonly employed in 

 the propagation and crossing of plants, and it s 

 province does not extend, therefore, to the discussion of 

 any of the ultimate results or influences of these methods. 

 All such questions as those relating to the formation of 

 buds, the reciprocal influences of cion and stock, com- 

 parative advantages of whole and piece roots, and the re- 

 sults of pollination, do not belong here. 



In its preparation I have consulted freely all the best 

 literature of the subject, and I have been aided by many 

 persons. The entire volume has been read by skilled 

 propagators, so that even all such directions as are com- 

 monly recommended in other countries have also been 

 sanctioned, if admitted, as best for this. In the propa- 

 gation of trees and shrubs and other hardy ornamentals, 

 I have had the advice of the head propagator of one of 

 the largest nurseries in this country. The whole volume 

 has also passed through the hands of B. M. Watson, Jr., 

 of the Bussey Institution of Harvard University, a 

 teacher of unusual skill and experience in this direction, 

 and who has added greatly to the value of the book. 

 The articles upon orchids and upon most of the different 

 genera of orchids in the Nursery List, have been con- 



