CUTTINGS 41 
but succeed better if placed on a shelf with a limited 
supply of water until well provided with roots and in full 
growth. The non-flowering shoots should be selected 
for propagation. 
With such cuttings as need covering with bell-glasses 
to ensure a close, moist atmosphere to prevent flagging, 
the moisture that becomes condensed on the glass will 
sometimes run down, with a tendency to sodden the 
compost. In such cases the insides of the bell-glasses 
should be wiped dry with a cloth or a sponge each morn- 
ing, and be left uncovered for about half an hour before 
being replaced. 
All cuttings with foliage should, of course, be shaded 
from sunshine, otherwise they will droop and wither. 
The shading material should, however, be removed as 
soon as the sun’s rays have passed, or weak and spindling 
growth will result. 
When rooted, the young plants should be gradually 
inured to withstand the ordinary atmosphere of the 
house, be potted off separately into small pots, and 
placed in a position with plenty of light. 
Plants in the cutting stage outdoors are lifted and 
loosened by the effects of frost. When this happens, 
the ground should be trodden down firmly again as soon 
after a thaw as convenient. It is also desirable to give 
some which are hardy under normal conditions slight 
protection during very severe weather by spreading 
straw or stable litter over the ground, while those in 
frames should have a covering of Russian mats or a 
layer of straw to protect them during cold wind and 
frost. 
A useful propagating-box for cuttings, of especial 
utility to amateurs and others, may be mentioned here. 
