Propagation and Care of Plants 



73 



In layering, as in preparing cuttings, the leaves and 

 buds which would go underground should be removed. 

 The covered portion of the stem must be fastened securely 

 to prevent it from being moved by the wind. A shovel- 

 ful of sand or leaf mold mixed with the earth at the point 

 where the branch is buried will make it root more easily. 



A notch is sometimes cut at the point where it is Methods of 

 desired to force out roots, as they develop more easily 

 at a cut. A better method is to split the branch stari 

 (Fig. 50, a) and put dirt into the opening. In ring Ring 

 layering (Fig. 50, b) advantage is taken of the fact that 

 sap cannot run back toward the roots if a ring of bark 

 is removed ; that is, if the branch is girdled. Nourish- 

 ment from the roots can flow past the girdle, for it 

 travels within the stem. But the returning sap flows 



FIG. 50. Layering: a, stem split to start roots; b, ring of bark removed; 

 c, "tip layering" in pot. Notice the crossed stakes which hold down the stem 

 that has been laid underground, j 



