THE SOFTWOOD CUTTING 



25 



forraly moist. The pictures show the depth to which 

 the cuttings are planted. 



64. For most plants, the proper age or maturity of 

 wood for the making of cuttings may be determined by 

 giving the twig a quick 

 bend: if it snaps and ^^ 

 y the bark, it is 



cutting 



in proper condition ; if 

 it bends tvithout break- 

 ing, it is too young and 

 soft or too old; if it 

 splinters, it is too old 

 and 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 stem of the cutting is inserted one -third or more 

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

 firmly about it. A newspaper may be laid over the bed 

 to exclude the light — if the sun strikes it — and to prevent 

 too rapid evaporation. The soil 

 should be moist clear through, not 

 on top only. 



66. Loose sandy or gravelly soil 

 is used. Mason's sand is good 

 earth in which to start most cut- 

 tings ; or fine gravel — sifted of 

 most of its earthy matter — may 

 be used. Soils are avoided which 

 contain much decaying organic matter, for these soils are 

 breeding places of fungi, which attack the soft cutting 

 and cause it to "damp off," or to die at or near the 



