288 THE NURSERY LIST. 



Oxytropis. Leguminosce. 



Seeds should be sown where the plants are to stand ; 

 also by dividing the plant in spring. 



Oyster Plant. See Salsify. 



Pseony (Peony, Piney). Ranunculacece. 



Seeds, giving new varieties, are sown as soon as ripe. 

 The seedlings seldom rise above the surface the first year, 

 all their energies being spent in the formation of roots. 

 The common herbaceous varieties are oftenest propagated 

 by division of the clumps. Each portion should possess 

 at least one bud upon the crown. All woody species may 

 be increased by layers and cuttings. Cuttings are taken 

 late in summer, cut to a heel, and are handled in a frame 

 or cool greenhouse. During winter they should be kept 

 from freezing. The shrubby species ancl P. Moutan are 

 often grafted, and all species can be handled in this way. 

 The operation is performed in late summer or early au- 

 tumn, and the grafts are stored in sand or moss where 

 they will not freeze. The next spring they are planted 

 out. The cion is made from a strong short shoot, desti- 

 tute of flower buds, and is set upon a piece of root, as 

 described on pages 128, 129. Some prefer to cut a wedge- 

 shaped portion from the side of the stock, in which to in- 

 lay the cion, rather than to^plit the stock ; but either prac- 

 tice is good. Strong roots of various varieties or species 

 maybe used. The Chinese paeony (P. Moutan), P. qffi- 

 cinalis and P. albiflora are oftenest used. 



Paliurus, Aubletia (Christ's Thorn). Rhamnacece. 



May be increased by seeds, by layers or by cuttings of 

 the roots. 



Palma-Christi. See Ricinus. 



Palmetto. See Sabal, and Palms. 



Palms. Palmacece. 



Palms are mostly grown from imported seeds. These 

 should always be sown in a brisk bottom heat, in a mix- 

 ture of coarse loam and sand. A hotbed, established 

 upon the greenhouse bench, is an excellent place in which 

 to start palm seeds. Some species are increased by 

 suckers, which arise from the crown or roots. For more 

 explicit directions, see the various genera. 



Pampas Grass. See Gynerium. 



