PROPAGATION OF PLANTS 



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germ of the new plant is uninjured, (2) that sufficient warmth and 

 moisture is present; (3) that the soil is loose and porous and free 

 from injurious elements; (4) that the soil used is supplied with the 

 proper nutritive elements; (5) that proper conditions of air and 

 sunlight are provided. 



Preservation and Storage. Much depends on the care of the 

 seed we select for use. Select as far as possible well-formed and 

 perfect seed, and when necessary free them from all pulpy material 

 that would cause them to decay. See that they are carefully 

 dried in the sun or under a moderate temperature if artificial heat 

 is used to hasten the process, and then store them in a cool dry place 

 free from the ravages of rats, mice, and insects. 



Propagation by Cuttings. Another way of propagating plants 

 is by cuttings. A cutting is a portion of the plant which when 



Green wood cuttings. 



cut off and placed in the soil under proper conditions will take root 

 and grow. This cutting should have at least one healthy bud. 



Cuttings of some plants, like the willow and the oleander, put 

 out roots in a short time and grow very readily. Secure a small 

 cutting of an oleander by cutting off the end of a healthy branch, 

 remove all the leaves but two or three near the top of the twig, 

 and place the cut end in a bottle of water. Keep the bottle near the 

 window where the plant can have proper light and air, and in a few 

 days tiny roots will begin to form. When sufficient roots have 

 been formed, break the bottle, remove the twig, and transplant it 



