158 CULTIVATION. 



better to remove the tops containing the embryo 

 flower, and, by striking them, establish a new 

 individual, convenient as to size, which being 

 supported by a new set of active fibres, becomes 

 vigorous in constitution. This is a concentration 

 of the energies of the system, by which it is de- 

 veloped in greater amplitude in all its parts ; and 

 is also the sole and chief advantage of propaga- 

 tion by pipings and layers. 



Pipings are easiest struck on a little artificial 

 heat under bell or small hand-glasses. The size 

 of the glasses determines the size of the pans or 

 pots intended for the pipings. These are filled 

 with proper compost, set in the bed, and the 

 glasses fitted on to mark the boundary line with- 

 in which the pipings are to be set : the next 

 thing is to get and prepare the latter. 



At the second joint from the top of the shoot, 

 the cutting is to be separated horizontally, and 

 just below the joint. The leaves embracing this 

 joint must be carefully stripped off; and when 

 the points of the leaves are also cut square off, 

 the cutting is prepared. The mould in the pots 



