284 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



simple leaf, which in former days would appear incredible. 

 The Gloxinia has long been propagated by that medium, 

 but the organization of the midrib of the leaf is peculiar to 

 its species, materially different from other plants, and if the 

 leaves lie near the soil, bulbs will form on the under side, 

 not so with other plants. To propagate by the leaf, it is 

 immaterial whether Rose Pelargonium, or other plants, 

 it is necessary to take the footstalk of the leaf close to the 

 joint of the plant, for the all important material to form 

 roots belongs to the joint, being more succulent than other 

 parts, consequently the formation of those parts are more 

 prone to form root fibres. The soil should be, if possible, 

 leaf mould and sand, equal parts. The leaf stock after 

 inserted and watered should be covered with a bell-glass, 

 the same as cuttings, and as the roots elongates down, so 

 will the embryo of the new plant appear above the soil, 

 assimilating in appearance to seedlings, and will take about 

 the same time to flower. It will be necessary to admit air 

 as the plants increase in size. These phenomenas of nature 

 and art generally create a pleasing effect on the mind of the 

 young florist, as novelty is a solace always pleasing to the 

 amateur, especially when cultivating on a new theory. 



