PROPAGATION. 37 



variety, Hudsonia, roots without trouble; and so on we 

 might multiply cases, but the above sufficiently exemplify 

 our meaning. 



We now notice the structure for producing the condi- 

 tions to ensure success. In erecting a propagating house, 

 that heated by hot water has been usually considered best 

 adapted for evergreens. It not only gives us a more even 

 temperature, but it is always charged with moisture, and 

 this the evergreen cutting particularly enjoys; but an ex- 

 cess of humidity must likewise be carefully avoided, to- 

 prevent " damping off," an evil serious in its nature and 

 greatly to be dreaded. We merely desire sufficient moist- 

 ure to overcome the frequently dry atmosphere of an ar- 

 tificially heated apartment. 



In the case of hot air flues being used for heating pro- 

 pagating beds, it is advisable to introduce pans filled with 

 water, to supply the necessary humidity, and as this heat- 

 ing arrangement is more cheaply constructed than the hot 

 water tanks, many intelligent gardeners are dispensing 

 with the latter altogether. In either case, it is desir- 

 ' able to have the least amount of sand that can be used 

 without actually allowing the base of the cutting to touch 

 the boards of the cutting bench. 



C7 



Those who have not the more modern conveniences for 

 striking cuttings may succeed reasonably well in a com- 

 mon hot-bed ; the cuttings are first placed in boxes of * 

 sand early in the season, and then allowed to stand for 

 some time in a cool place previous to applying the bottom 

 heat. This method may do for the Arbor Vitrcs, and 

 some few others that form roots easily. Siberian Arbor 

 Vitas, as well as the Tree Box (not a Conifer,) will often 

 succeed in the open air in a moist, shady spot ; but this 

 cannot be relied on every season, and never sufficiently to 

 repay the commercial grower. 



In preparing the cutting for use, there is one important 

 point frequently overlooked by propagators, and that is to 



