The Magic Touch 53 



not so fine as to run together and exclude the air, 

 Hke sea sand. Ordinary builders' sand, such as 

 is used for concrete or stucco work, is the thing. 

 Any impurities can be quickly got out by filling 

 a bucket, a pail, or a bushel measure fairly full 

 and then pushing the end of a hose down to the 

 bottom, letting the water overflow at the top to 

 carry off soil and other impurities with it. 



Rooting the Cuttings 



Cuttings should be put in the sand within a 

 few hours after making; and if they have wilted, 

 soak them in water for an hour or two to freshen. 

 The cuttings may be put in with a dibble or a 

 spike — anything, indeed, to make a hole about 

 the size of the cutting. Or rows may be marked 

 oft' and cuttings set in as close as they will go 

 without crowding each other. Then give them 

 a thorough watering. Keep shaded for a few 

 days and do not water again until the surface is 

 quite dry. Prevent wilting by syringing several 

 times a day in hot, dry weather, if necessary. 

 If using a frame during the summer, it is well to 

 put a shade over it, a foot or two above it, 

 to allow a free circulation of air. 



The cuttings will begin to "strike root" in 

 from fifteen days to several weeks, according to 

 conditions and the kind of plant. Some things 



