58 PROPAGATION OF PLANTS BY DIVISION 



and take root at any or all of the nodes, wherever they may come in 

 contact with the ground. Bermuda grass spreads rapidly by means 

 of runners. This plant becomes a bad weed in fields of corn or 

 cotton because the runners take root so readily when the soil is 

 moist. The grass apparently suffers from drought quickly, but 

 does not really die. As soon as rains begin the brown runners 

 revive, turn green, and send up new leaves. 



The wild Buffalo grass of the arid regions also spreads by means 

 of runners. 



FIG. 46. An excellent crop of young bulblets started from the wounds of the mother bulb. 



(U. S. D. A.) 



The strawberry is seldom propagated in any other way than 

 by runners, except when new varieties are desired. It is after the 

 crop of berries is 'harvested that the runners make their most 

 vigorous growth. If the weather is favorable strong plants may 

 be formed at the first joint of the runners. After this the runners 

 should be cut off to prevent secondary plants from starting. In 

 this way the strongest strawberry plants may be obtained. The 

 ground should be kept well tilled to conserve the moisture and 

 encourage the rooting of runners. The young plants may be trans- 

 planted in August or September to their new location, or this may 

 be done in early spring. Plants which are desired for use in hot 

 beds or indoor growth during the winter may be started in pots 

 or cans by plunging these in the soil near the open garden before 

 the runners take root. 



Layers. There are three types of layering: Tip layering is a 

 common method of multiplying the black raspberry (Fig. 47). 



