GARDEN AND OECHARD. 



277 



of root forming is shown in the second illustration. 



The sap travelling down- 

 wards, as it does, gathers 

 at the bottom, where a 

 "callus" forms. From this 

 the first root germs are sent 

 out, and when they get into 

 open free soil, with suffi- 

 cient nourishment, roots are 

 formed as shown in the 

 third illustration. Some 

 plants make second and 

 third tiers of roots, which 

 spring from the buds 

 higher up and it may be 

 The Catting. HOW Roots Form. necessary to cut them off. 



Propagating by Layers. Many kinds of trees and 

 shrubs can be increased by layers in a temperature 

 equivalent to that of which they 

 are natives. Springtime July 

 to September is a good time of 

 the year for this kind of propa- 

 gation. A layer is a branch 

 bent into the earth, and three 

 parts of the layered wood are 

 cut through at the bend by a 

 long sloping cut ; it is, in fact, 

 a cutting only partially separ- 

 ated from its parent. The layer will emit roots into the 

 soil at the cut or tongue. The sap forms cellular tissue on 

 the tongue at the cut part, which ultimately throws out 

 roots. When rooted, the new plant may be severed from 

 the parent and set out where required. Should the cut 

 show a tendency to close, it may be kept open by inserting 

 a grain of wheat or maize, a piece of gravel or charcoal ; 

 when the soil is heavy or stiff, the cut part should be 

 covered with light sandy soil. Oranges, lemons, figs and 

 other fruits can be successfully propagated by layers. 



Plants from the Leaf. Gloxinias, foliage begonias, 

 some of the gesneras, and other plants can be propagated 



Layering. 



