38 PLANT PROPAGATION 
space is left. When using pots, commence by inserting 
the cuttings close round and touching the insides of the 
pots. For some reason they always grow best in that 
position, but in most cases the middle may be planted 
also to economise space. Never crowd them too closely 
together, as that tends to encourage the development of 
HARD-WOODED CUTTING OF SOFT-WOODED CUTTING : 
EUONYMUS JAPONICUS. VERBENA. 
the ‘‘ damping-off ” fungus, which if once it gets a foot- 
hold proves rapidly destructive. Watering with a weak 
solution of permanganate of potash or Condy’s Fluid 
(diluted to the colour of sherry) is recommended to check 
the spread of the pest without injuring the cuttings. 
The pots should in all cases be looked over each morn- 
ing, and any decaying leaves or traces of mould 
immediately removed. If sawdust is used as a medium 
in which to strike cuttings liable to damp-off, it should 
be that obtained from non-resinous timber, not from 
pine or other coniferous trees which abound in resin, 
