THE CUTTING BED. 295 



THE CUTTING BED. 



Cuttings root readily in sand, but, although the sil- 

 ver sand that was a few years ago insisted upon is not a 

 necessity, it should be free from organic matter. The 

 sand should also be sharp, and of about medium fineness ; 

 if too fine, or too coarse, it should be rejected, as the one 

 packs together and obstructs the entrance of air, while 

 the other admits it too freely, and dries out too readily. 

 The cutting bed should have sufficient drainage to let off 

 any surplus water, and bottom heat should be provided 

 in some way. A narrow span-roof house, or a lean-to 

 to the north or east, makes a good propagating house. 

 It should afford ample means of securing ventilation. 



The sand should have a depth of about three inches, 

 and, although not necessary, the best results will be 

 obtained if it is renewed after each batch of cuttings is 

 taken out. After the sand has been thoroughly wet 

 down and has drained off, the cuttings may be inserted. 

 They should be placed in straight rows across the bed, 

 so that the leaves of the cuttings do not quite touch. It 

 is a good plan, if space permits, to have the rows about 

 twice as far apart as the plants are in the rows. Having 

 made a narrow trench for the cuttings, they are inserted 

 about one-half their length, the sand is pressed firmly 

 about them and the bed is wet down. 



For the first few days, it is well to give them at 

 least partial shade from sun, either by placing lath or 

 cloth screens over the glass, or by spreading paper or 

 cloth over the cuttings. With a slight shading of the 

 glass, the latter can generally be left off after the first 

 week. While precaution must be taken against excessive 

 watering, there is also danger from allowing the bed to 

 dry out as, if they wilt, the cuttings are much injured. 

 Especially on summer days, an occasional slight sprin- 

 kling will be beneficial. The ventilation should be care- 

 fully looked after, and the arrangement should be such 



