PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 



223 



or five inches with clean, coarse sand. (Other con- 

 ditions for starting cuttings should be the same as for 

 seed germination.) If the cuttings are made in sum 

 mer, the propagating-table will not require artificial 

 heat; otherwise bottom heat must be supplied. Ingreen- 



FIG. 6l. CUTTING OF OLEANDER 

 ROOTING IN WATER 



a Young shoots, r Roots. 



FIG. 62. STEM CUTTING OF 



UMBRELLA PLANT ROOT- 

 ING IN WATER. 



houses, or buildings where the heat is sufficiently well 

 regulated, this may be supplied by steam-pipes. Where 

 this is not practicable, an excellent substitute may be 

 furnished by the use of fermenting stable compost. The 

 fresh compost should be mixed with a small proportion 

 of straw and leaves, moistened and packed in an ample 

 box, to the depth of about eighteen inches. Now spread 

 upon this mixture about five inches of sand. (The box 

 should be protected from direct sunlight and drafts.) 



