122 PLANT PROPAGATION 
(syn. F. repens). Both propagate readily by cuttings 
inserted in sandy compost placed in bottom heat in a 
close case until rooted. Some large growers of 
F. elastica insert the cuttings in sawdust until rooted. 
When large numbers are required, cuttings of single 
eyes may be used with a leaf attached and supported by 
a small stake and tie. © 
Ficus carica, in its numerous varieties as a fruit- 
producing tree (the Fig), may be propagated by seed, 
cuttings, layers, suckers, grafting, and budding. In 
practice the method adopted is almost entirely that of 
cuttings of the previous season’s growth taken off in 
spring just before growth commences, selecting short- 
jointed shoots 6 inches to g inches long, preferably with 
a heel of the old wood, inserting them in pots of sandy 
soil and plunging in bottom heat in a warm house. 
Firronia.—These stove plants with beautiful veined 
leaves are readily propagated in spring and summer by 
cuttings or division, placed in bottom heat under a bell- 
glass. 
ForsytuiA.—The early flowering shrubs of this genus 
are increased by cuttings of young shoots in July and 
August in a close propagating-frame, with or without 
heat. The branches that droop to the ground often 
root at the tips and may thus be utilised. 
FrancoA.—These useful plants for both indoors and 
outside in sunny, sheltered positions, are raised from 
seed sown on the surface of pans of peaty compost 
covered with a pane of glass in gentle heat in early 
spring, also by division in March. 
FrEESIAS.—The great popularity of these fragrant 
flowers needs no stressing. They are among the 
quickest Cape bulbs to attain to flowering size when 
raised from seed, which should be sown so soon as ripe 
