218 THE ROSE. 



open a place three inches deep, in which, after hav- 

 ing first put a little sand, or sand and fresh loam 

 mixed, fix and peg down the layer to that depth, 

 and after giving the tongue a little twist or turn on 

 one side, to keep the cleft open, close the earth tight 

 round it. When the whole is performed, give the 

 layers a gentle watering to settle the mould, and 

 which ought to be repeated from time to time, to 

 promote the striking of the new fihres, and to keep 

 the mother-plant in a healthy, growing state. The 

 layers, in most cases, will be fit to remove the spring 

 following ; but such as are not well rooted had better 

 remain till the succeeding autumn. The same mccle 

 of operation may be applied to most shrubs ; and 

 take care to cover that part of the shoot only with 

 earth which is pegged down, the other part of it, 

 connected with the stool or parent plant, must lie 

 uncovered. 



