CUTTINGS 85 



wooded trees and shrubs. Cuttings are ordinarily taken in 

 fall or winter, but cut into the proper lengths and then 

 buried in sand or moss where they do not freeze, in order 

 that the lower end may heal over or cal- 

 lus. In the spring these Cuttings are 

 set in the ground, preferably in a rather 

 sandy and well drained place. Usually, 

 hardwood Cuttings are made with two to 

 four joints or buds, and when they are 

 planted, only the upper bud projects 

 above the ground. They may be planted 

 erect, as the picture, shows, or somewhat 



T j xv, 4. j.r, /-< -Li- The planting of dormant wood 



slanting. In order that the Cutting may Cuttings 



reach down to moist earth, it is desirable 

 that it should not be less than 6 inches long ; and it is 

 sometimes better if it is 8 to 12 inches. If the wood is 

 short-jointed, there may be several buds on a Cutting of 

 this length ; and, in order to prevent too many shoots from 

 arising from these buds, the lowermost buds are often cut 

 out. Roots will start as readily if the lower buds are re- 

 moved, since the buds grow into shoots and not into roots. 

 Cuttings of currants, grapes, gooseberries, and the like may 

 be set in rows which are far enough apart to admit of easy 

 tillage either with horse or hand tools, and the Cut- 

 tings may be placed from 3 to 8 inches apart in the 

 row. After the Cuttings have grown for one season, 

 the plants are usually transplanted and given more 

 ^f ' room for the second year's growth, after which time 

 they are ready to be set in permanent plantations. 

 In some cases, the plants are set at the end of the 

 Root Cuttin ^ rs ^ y ear '> but two-year plants are stronger and usu- 

 whichhas given ally preferable. 



rise to a shoot Root Cuttings are used for blackberries, raspber- 

 ries, and a few other things. They are ordinarily made of 

 roots from the size of a lead pencil to one's little finger, and 

 are cut in lengths from 3 to 5 inches long. The Cuttings 



