306 QUARTERLY JOURNAL. 



as they are separated from the main plant, about their own depth 

 in a good soil. 



2. By dividing the plant. It is taken out of the ground, all 

 the earth shaken from the roots, and then separated in such a way 

 that a portion of root may be left to each part. Some may be di- 

 vided without removing from the ground, with a sharp spade or 

 the trowel. 



3. By runners. These are slender shoots that spring out from 

 the roots of some plants, and wherever a joint comes in contact 

 with the earth a root is produced. All that is necessary is to let 

 the joint become well rooted before it is removed. Similar to 

 these are the suckers which start out just above the roots of some 

 plants, and send down roots into the soil. 



4. By cuttings or slips. These are only small portions of the 

 branch, which are removed and planted separately, and inasmuch 

 as the propagation of a great many of our most ornamental plants 

 depends upon this mode, it may be well to give more minute di- 

 rections with regard to it. Many annuals which do not ripen their 

 seed, are thus continued from year to year, and form some of the 

 chief ornaments of our flower gardens. Such are the beautiful 

 varieties of the verbena and pelunia, salvia splendens, and many 

 others, which enliven our borders through the whole season. In 

 this way also, varieties of flov/ering plants are perpetuated, tk 



seed of which will not reproduce the same kinds, 

 monthly roses and most plants which are grown 

 in pots. 



Slips should be taken from wood of the latest 

 growth which has become hardened, and where it 

 is possible, with a collar of the old w^ood, (fig. a-) 

 If not, they should be cut off with a sharp knife, 

 making a smooth surface immediately below a 

 leaf bud and as close as possible to the foot of the leaf, (fig. h.)\ 

 The length of the cutting is of little consequence, but it may con- 

 sist of three or four joints or 

 jjiS^'^^aE-j^^^ ^ \| buds, and the leaves near tke| 



^g;^^ ^^^6^^^ jl upper end may be left on. But 



great care should be taken to 

 make a smooth cut, as, if the 

 bark is torn or jagged, it will 

 most certainly fail. Some plants 



