LESSON VI 



To Take Soft Wood Cuttings*: Select 

 the younger growth of the plants where 

 the shoots are pretty well matured so that 

 they are not too soft. They should break 

 straight off when bent in the shape of the 

 letter "U. " If they bend only, they are 

 likely to be too soft. If they split, they 

 are too hard. The tops of the shoots 

 generally make the best cuttings. Cut 

 them two or three inches long. Then 

 trim off the side leaves and, if the top 

 leaves are large, cut them in two so that 

 they will not evaporate too much moisture. 

 They should then be inserted in clean, 

 sharp sand at least half their length and 

 wet thoroughly. For the school room or 

 home, a deep plate or a shallow dish con- 

 taining about two inches of sand can be 

 used, and, after the cuttings are in, it 

 should be placed upon a radiator. The 



* Coleus, geraniums and such plants. 

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