BUDDING, GRAFTING, ETO. 39 
Suppose a single branch of Beech should produce leaves 
that were pure silver-white (and I know of one that does), 
and we wish to obtain plants from it; as the Beech will 
not grow from cuttings, and is difficult to bud and graft 
(at least the novice would find it so), we desire to ob- 
tain a layer; now we have only to place a pot or box of 
soil near the branch so that we can layer it into the soil 
the same as we would if near the ground, after which it 
will be necessary to keep it moist to facilitate the produc- 
Fig. 5. 
tion of roots. Fig. 5 shows a branch layered in a pot 
that has had a piece taken from the side and the branch 
passed through it; this crevasse is closed by a piece of 
board or shingle placed on the inside of the pot; the pot 
is then filled with soil, and the branch is layered. It is 
well to surround the pot with moss, or several thicknesses 
of cloth, so that the wind will not dry the soil too quickly, 
as in that case it will require very frequent watering. 
4A. box will answer every purpose as well as a pot; ali 
