42 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



Outdoor Graftmg. I have never attempted to propagate coni- 

 fers by grafting in the open air out of doors, therefore have no sug- 

 gestions to offer. It is, however, a method of propagation prac- 

 ticed extensively b\' the growers of France and said to give most 

 satisfactory results. 



IV. Layers and Divisions. 



Conifers are sometimes propagated by layering and division. 

 Propagation from layers is usually confined to the prostrate and 

 creeping forms of Junipers and other dwarf or low growing forms 

 of conifers. A portion of the branch is covered with soil and roots 

 develop along the stems. The rooted stems are removed from the 

 plant and planted in beds of prepared soil. The usual time 

 required for rooting layers is one year and is an inexpensive and 

 easy method for the propagation of some varieties. 



Division. Propagation of conifers by division is hardly worthy 

 of consideration for production on a commercial scale and is seldom 

 used by the modern propagator. 



V. Summing up and Conclusion. 



In concluding my paper, permit me to say a word in behalf of 

 American propagators. Right here in xAmerica there is a loyal, 

 bra\e band of growers who are entitled to your encourage- 

 ment and support. They have struggled bravely on through years 

 and years of adversity, with hardly any recognition whatever, 

 always in the face of merciless competition from abroad. In a 

 way, the spirit of their endeavors is likened to what Lincoln said 

 of himself, " I will study and prepare myself and maybe my chance 

 will come." 



There are over a hundred propagating firms in America, big 

 and little, many of whom, had they been able to operate commer- 

 cially, with a half-way fair chance at their own market, would have 

 been world famous. I mention wath the greatest admiration 

 such names as Jackson Dawson, J. R. Trumpy, Josiah Hoopes, 

 Robert Douglas, the Berckmans, the Farquhars, the Medians, 



