212 Principles of Plant Culture. 



the junction of the two season's growth appear to favor 

 the emission of roots. Some varieties of the grape root 

 more readily when a short section of the parent branch 

 is removed with the cutting, forming a mallet- or 

 T-shaped cutting (mallet cuttings}. 



The cut forming the distal end of the cutting (115) 

 is preferably made somewhat above a node, in order 

 that the bud may not loose an undue amount of moist- 

 ure by evaporation from the adjacent cut surface. 



Cuttings of certain plants that do not readily form 

 roots when made in the ordinary way, may be induced 

 to do so by "ringing" the branch from which the cut- 

 ting is to be made (428 d) , just below a node at about 

 midsummer. Callus will then form at the upper edge 

 of the ring (79), and food will be stored in the stem 

 immediately above it. In autumn the branch may be 

 severed just below the ring and a cutting made, of 

 which the base shall include the callused part, and 

 which may be treated in the usual manner. 



374. The Proper Length for Stem Cuttings de 

 pends upon the conditions under which they are to be 

 grown. Cuttings containing only one bud often root 

 freely and form vigorous plants in the propagating 

 bed, where heat and moisture may be readily controlled. 

 Such short cuttings, however, are seldom used except 

 when cutting wood is scarce. Cuttings intended for 

 planting in the open ground are preferably made at 

 least six inches long. 



375. How to Plant Stem Cuttings. The general 

 rules given for the planting of seeds apply with nearly 

 equal force to cuttings of the stem (344). Single-bud 



