LAYERS 29 
low a joint half-way through the branch, and extending 
it in an upward direction, as shown in the Carnation 
layer (p. 26). This tongue may vary in length according 
to the size of the layered branch. In pegging down, 
the slit should be kept open. With woody plants a 
small stone may be inserted to prevent the opening 
from closing and healing over. 
Piercing and Splitting. 
The layer is bent downward in the ordinary way, 
and an incision made with a sharp instrument, such as 
LAYERING By PIERCING OR NOTCHING. 
a knife thrust through the middle of the branch, split- 
ting that part which is to be covered with soil, and 
inserting a small stone between to prevent it closing up. 
Above-Ground Layering (Circumposition). 
This is a very old method of layering, and, although 
not much used at the present day, may sometimes be 
adopted with advantage when the branches to be layered 
are too high to be bent to the ground. It is also useful 
to correct the unsightly appearance of India-rubber 
plants and Draczenas that have lost the lower leaves and 
become ‘“‘leggy.’ Either boxes or flower-pots, cut in 
