CUTTINGS 79 



Only a limited variety of cuttings give maximum returns when prop- 

 agated in outdoor frames. The Biota forms roots readily under this 

 method of treatment. 



SUMMER CUTTINGS OF SHRUBS 



Many trees and shrubs are readily propagated by taking soft 

 wood or half-ripened wood cuttings like those of the herbaceous or 

 soft-wooded plants in June and July. This furnishes a very cheap 

 method of propagation. Some sorts root best from very soft cuttings, 

 others only when the wood is quite mature. (See pages 180-224.) 

 Greenhouse rooted. The cuttings are best rooted in flats, in the 

 greenhouse, where they may be easily handled, but they may also 

 be placed in the bench. A house should be used which gets the sun. 

 "Thoroughly renovate the benches and give a coating of white- 

 wash which will sweeten the boards and destroy the disease spores. 

 Four inches of sand will be necessary. Put a thin shading of lime 

 on the glass and hang a piece of muslin inside the entire width and 

 length of the bench. Tack the upper edge fast to the rafter, and 

 arrange it so that the muslin will slide up and down upon a series 

 of wires. The object of this is, that on dull days and in the early 

 morning and late in the evening the curtain can be pulled up, 

 admitting the light. The reason for putting the curtain on the 

 inside is to allow the sun's rays to pass through the glass, thereby 

 furnishing the necessary heat to cause root action, without allowing 

 the direct sunlight to strike the cuttings, which would be fatal."* 

 Such parts of the house as are used for cuttings should be screened 

 with muslin hung from the sash bars. Because the work is done in 

 hot weather, evaporation will take place rapidly from the cuttings, 

 so that there must be as little circulation of air as possible. 



As the cuttings are made, keep them moist by placing in damp 

 paper. Insert in the sand, about two to two and one-half inches 

 apart and one-half to three-quarters of an inch apart in the row. 

 Firm the sand and thoroughly water, covering the cuttings with 

 newspaper during the bright sunlight. Syringe the cuttings every 

 morning, but only water them when they become dry. When the 

 cuttings have rooted take off papers and continue to spray. A 

 muslin shade will now be necessary. When well rooted, place in 

 flats under a slat frame house out of doors and give plenty of water. 

 Many kinds will make a foot of growth in the season. Protect for 

 Winter in frames or if frames are not available, heel in somewhere 

 until Spring, then set in open soil. 



*Trillow, Wm. Propagation of Shrubs. Proc. of Soc. of Iowa Florists, 1912, pp. 

 75-80. 



