THE SOFTWOOD (TTTING 



25 



formly moist. The pictures show the depth to which 



the cuttings are planted. 



G-t. For most plants, the proper age or maturity of 

 wood for the making- of cuttings may be determined by 

 giving the twig a quick 

 In ml: if if s mi /is and 

 hangs lnj tin bark, it is 



4*9 



::'_'. < reranium cal I bag. 



1 larnation 

 catting. 



in proper condition ; if 

 it hinds without break- 

 ing, it is too young and 

 soft i>r ton old; if it 

 splinters, if is too old 

 unit woody. The tips of 

 strong upright shoots 

 usually make the best 

 cuttings. Preferably, each cutting should have a joint 

 or node near its base ; and if the internodes (or spaces 

 between joints) are very short, it may comprise two or 

 three joints. 



65. The sti in of the cutting is inserted ont -third <>r more 

 its length in clean sand or gravel, and I In earth is pressed 

 firmly <il><>itt it. A newspaper may be laid over the bed 

 to exclude the light it' the sun strikes it and to prevent 



too rapid evaporation. The soil 

 should be moist clear through, not 

 on top only. 



66. Loosi sandy or gravelly suit 



~-5\*W^ is usul. Mason's sand is good 



earth in which to start most cnt- 

 t ings ; Or line gravel silted of 



most of its eart \\\ mat ter maj 

 be used. Soils are avoided which 

 contain much decaying organic matter, for these Boils are 

 breeding places of fungi, which attack the soft cutting 



and cause it to "ilaiiip nil'," or l<> die ;ii or near the 



h ^s 



rv 



34, I.'" e catting. 



