PROPAGATIOIJ. 87 



wldch supports the cuttings run hot-water pipes 

 or flues ; these are commonly boarded-in to secure 

 bottom heat, and this I beheve to be the best 

 method. Some rose-growers make no attempt at 

 confining the pipes or flues, and produce excel- 

 lent plants without resorting to bottom heat, but 

 it is a slower process, and there is a greater 

 percentage of cuttings which fail to root. Ad- 

 vocates, of this system claim that they secure 

 healthier, stronger plants in the end than they 

 would by the use of bottom heat. There is no 

 doubt that plants propagated in a closely confined 

 house in a high temperature are apt to turn out 

 of weak constitution, but we believe the best re- 

 sults follow where plants are propagated in a 

 bed at a temperature of about 70 degrees, with 

 the temperature of the house a few degrees 

 less. However, these matters concern nursery- 

 men and florists more than amateurs, for this 

 class does not care to put in operation anything 

 that requires much expense. When but few cut- 

 tings are desired they can be placed in pots and 

 will take root in four or five weeks after mser- 

 tion, grown in any ordinary conservatory or 

 greenhouse. After the cuttings have taken root 



