CHAP. III. 



CUTTINGS. 



77 



quantity of crocks, potsherds, &c., for drainage. Over the 

 drainage, near the circumference, put a layer of equal parts of 

 leaf-mould and sand, and then fill the pan to within half an 

 inch of the rim with pure sand. Put in the cuttings with their 

 bases against the side of the pan, just above the mixture of 

 leaf-mould, and sloping, so that their summits project out of the 

 sand in a small circle in the centre of the pan. Then put down 

 a hand-glass just large enough to enclose the circle of leafy ends. 

 Sink the pan to its rim in the earth in some shady place, and 

 water the sand outside the hand-glass daily. Place a piece of 

 matting over the whole at night, to prevent the effect of cold 

 from radiation, which would be very injurious. 



Fig. 11. 



The above plan I conceive to possess the following advan- 

 tages : 



1. The bases of the cuttings are laid where it is recommended 

 they should be against the side of the pot or pan. 



2. Being laid very slopingwise the cuttings are well covered 

 from the air, without their lower ends being too deep in the soil. 



3. The hand-glass need not be taken off till the cuttings are 

 struck. 



4. In supplying water to the lower ends of the cuttings, 

 where it is wanted, none is poured over their leaf ends, where it 

 is not wanted, and would only be injurious. 



5. As water is applied only on the outside of the hand-glass, 

 very little condensation will take place within, and the cuttings 

 will not be liable to suffer on that account. 



