PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 239 



Wherever the process of layering cannot be 

 performed by bending the branch to meet the 

 soil, the soil, or a substitute, may be lifted up 

 to the branch. There are various devices used 

 in doing this. 



3. Pot Layering. (i) The limb which has been par- 



no. 78. MOUNU LAYERING. 



tially girdled in order to check the backward flow of 

 sap is surrounded by some moist material as, sphagnum 

 moss, vegetable fiber, or soil. This should be held in 

 place by merely wrapping the moss or fiber closely 

 about the wounded portion of the stem. This wrapping 

 should form a ball about five or six inches in diameter, 

 so that it will not dry out too quickly. This may be 

 further protected by an additional covering of a heavy 

 paper cone. 



(2] Instead of the moss or fiber, layering pots contain- 

 ing soil may be used. 



(a) A simple form of layering pot may be con- 

 trived from a tomato-can by cutting a hole in the 

 bottom of the can slightly larger than the stem to 

 be inclosed ; then make a slit down one side of the 



