LAYERS 27 
For different kinds and in different circumstances 
several systems of layering are employed, and although 
partaking of the same general character they are subject 
to many modifications in detail. This depends largely 
on the habit of growth of those under treatment and the 
length of time necessary to effect the desired result. 
Speaking broadly, layering consists of placing a branch 
or a stem in contact with the soil, and affording such 
other treatment as will encourage the formation of roots 
by arresting the downward flow of the elaborated sap. 
The means adopted to bring about this result are prin- 
cipally bending, twisting, tongueing, ringing, piercing, 
splitting, and notching. 
For hardy subjects amenable to outdoor treatment 
firm or ripened shoots are preferable. With soft-stemmed 
herbaceous plants and evergreens it is generally advis- 
able to remove the leaves from the portions of the stems 
that will be covered with soil. There are, however, a 
few exceptions to this rule, as in the case of Lapagerias, 
the layered shoots of which it is customary to cover with 
a shallow layer of compost, with the leaves feft entire, 
exposed to light and air; and immediately a shoot is 
seen growing from the axils of the leaves a stick or a 
piece of laid cord is fixed by which it may climb upwards 
to the roof. 
Bending. 
This is the simplest of all, and is suitable for such 
subjects as root tolerably freely. The stems or branches 
are merely bent down into prepared soil, fixing the under- 
ground portion with a peg to prevent it from shifting, 
and each extremity is supported with a stake to keep it 
in an upright position. Only a few buds towards the 
