24 



ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION 



established in the earth; and if it has many leaves, some of 

 them should be removed, or at least cut in two, to reduce 

 the evaporating surface. Most of the common window-plants 



may be propagated 

 easily by means of 

 softwood cuttings 

 or slips. 



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 hangs by the bark, it 

 is in proper condition; if it bends without 

 breaking, 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 inter- 

 nodes (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 



34. Carnation 

 cutting. 



36. Cutting-bed, showing carnations and rosea. 



*•***&. 



