Vegetative Reproduction 



15 



years, in order to obtain a compact root-system capable of being 

 planted out finally with the least possible check to its growth. 



Vegetative Reproduction. 



Vegetative reproduction. Usually our forest trees are reproduced 

 by means of seeds. In some cases, however, it is more convenient, 

 or even imperative, to employ a portion of the vegetative organs of 

 the parent plant. The methods commonly used in the forest 

 nursery are those of setting "layers" or "cuttings." 



Layers are employed for the propagation of limes, elms, etc. 

 For a species to be layered successfully, it must be able to produce 

 stool-shoots, and also adventitious roots. In forestry, the practice 

 is limited to those species whose seeds germinate unsatisfactorily. 



A sufficient number of young plants are procured and estab- 

 lished in a convenient spot in the nursery. When well established, 

 they are cut down to within a few inches of the ground ; the cut 

 should be slanting in order that the rain may run off the cut surface. 

 Four- or five-year-old plants are the most satisfactory, and the end of 

 winter is the best time for the operation on account of its effect on 

 the sap. 



Fig. 2. 



Stump with " stool-shoots" ; two of which are pegged down. The cut should 

 be'more slanting than that indicated in the figure (see text above). 



