THE CULTURE OF CONIFERS 37 



Greenhouse. The greenhouse, more properly called the propa- 

 gating house, should be a well planned, permanent structure with 

 the heating pipes beneath the benches. Provision should be made 

 for a supply of water and equipment necessary to furnish artificial 

 light at night to permit the propagator to record the var\ing temper- 

 ature and make other inspections both night and day so necessary 

 to the successful production of conifers from cuttings. 



Supply of Sand. A good supply of sharp, clean sand is necessary 

 for filling the flats in which the cuttings are rooted. The sand 

 should be of fine texture to allow for firm packing in the flcits after 

 the cuttings are planted. It should be absolutely clean from all 

 dirt and \'egetable matter to prevent the growth of fungus. The 

 test for good propagation sand is made by adding a handful of 

 sand to a glass full of clear water. The sand should settle to the 

 bottom of the glass without causing the slightest cloudiness in 

 the water. 



Cutting the ]]'ood. The usual time for cutting the wood for 

 making into cuttings is in the autumn when the growth is well 

 ripened. It is well to wait until several good sharp frosts assure 

 you that the wood is in a perfect state of maturity. Small branches 

 are cut, using only the strong, vigorous shoots from the sides near 

 the top of the plant. If the variety is a strong grower each branch 

 cut will produce, when properly divided, several desirable cuttings. 

 Do not cut the wood when it is in a frozen condition. Place the 

 clippings in a basket or bag as soon as they are cut, to prevent 

 drying. 



Making the Cuttings. With nearly all varieties of conifers, in 

 making of the cuttings, use only wood of the past summer's growth. 

 It does not matter whether it is a leader or side branch, just so 

 wood is firm and well matured. Remove all of the foliage from 

 the sides of the cutting, leaving a small amount only on the top. 

 Make the cuttings of a uniform length by cutting the bottom end 

 of the stem with a light, sharp knife. Cuttings of uneven length 

 must never be planted in the same flat because the smaller ones do 

 not receive the same light and air as the cuttings of greater length 

 and the small ones are smothered. 



Planting the Cuttings. The cuttings are now ready for planting. 

 Some propagators fill the benches with sand for the planting of 



