CHAPTER XIII. 



PROPAGATION OF THE ROSE. 



CUTTINGS. 



HIS mode of propagation, although possible 

 with all roses, is extremely difficult and rare- 

 ly practised with those that bloom only once 

 in the season. It is most applicable to the 

 smooth-wooded kinds, as the Bengal and its 

 sub-classes, and the Boursault, Microphylla 

 nibifolia, &c. Many of the Perpetuals and 

 Bourbons are propagated with facility by the same mode ; but 

 the best mode for these is generally by layers, budding and graft- 

 ing. For propagation in the open ground, cuttings should be 

 made in the early part of winter. They should be made of wood 

 of the growth of the season, and about eight inches long. The 

 lower end should be cut square close to the bud, and they can 

 then be planted thickly two-thirds of their length in sand, in a 

 light and dry cellar. Here a callus will be formed on the bottom 

 of each cutting during the winter, and on being planted out in the 

 spring, they will immediately throw out roots. They should be 

 planted as early as possible in the spring, in a light sandy loam, 

 with one-third of their length and at least one bud above the sur- 

 face of the ground. They should be planted very early in the 

 spring, because, if left until late, the power of the sun is too much 

 for them. The earth should be trodden down very tight about 

 them, in order, as much as possible, to exclude the air. If the 

 weather is dry, they should be carefully watered in the evening. 



