46 PROPAGATION BY LAYERS. 



as a starting-point in the formation of the Dwarf Plums, Oranges, 

 Almonds, Peaches, Gardenias, Elms, and other miniature trees, 

 of which they are so fond. The remaining part of the process 

 consists of starving in small shallow pots and poor soil, and 

 pruning the roots and branches so as to stunt them both in an 

 equal degree. 



There is a common mode of propagating adopted in nur- 

 series technically termed " hillock layering " a plan as suc- 

 cessful as it is simple. This is used in propagating the Quince, 

 Plum, Apple more especially Paradise, Doucin, and Non- 

 such for stocks Fig, Hazel, Magnolias, and many other 

 hardy trees and shrubs. In this case it is necessary that the 

 plant operated on be on its own roots. The tree or shrub is 

 cut down nearly level with the ground during the winter. This 

 causes a cluster of latent buds near the surface of the ground 

 to develop themselves and form young shoots ; and when this 



Multiple Layering (A ristolochia). 



happens, a hillock of soil is raised so as to cover the base 

 of each shoot, and the tops are pinched off, to induce them 

 to throw out rootlets at the base. This they generally do 

 during the summer; and in the autumn the soil is cleared 

 away and the young rooted growths removed, and either 

 potted or transplanted, as may be convenient. Such of the 

 shoots as have not formed roots are left until the following 

 spring or autumn ; and these old stocks or stumps thus go on 

 producing young plants for several years in succession. Some 

 climbing or trailing plants as double-flowered Rubus, Wis- 

 teria, Aristolochia, Lapageria, Vine, Fig, and others are 

 propagated by " multiple layering," one, or more of the last 

 year's young shoots being laid in a trench and covered with 

 soil, except at the growing end, which is left outside to grow 

 and keep the branch so buried in an active state. Sometimes 

 the branches so treated are bent or partly fractured at intervals 

 between the joints, or cross incisions or slits are made under 

 the eyes with a sharp knife, so as to induce the " callussing " 



