232 LESSONS IN AGRICULTURE 



corner of the school grounds, making a plot about three 

 feet square. Insert the grape cuttings in a slanting 

 position in the fine, loose soil, leaving one bud exposed. 

 Press the soil very firmly about the cuttings, and cover 

 the plot with a mulch of hay or grass, except the ex- 

 posed buds of the cuttings. If the plot could be kept 

 well watered all summer, and free from weeds, a fine 

 lot of new grape plants would grow, ready to be set 

 permanently the next spring. 



Poplar and willow trees may easily be propagated 

 from hardwood cuttings. 



References: Farmers' Bulletins, Nos. 157 and 218. 



LESSON LXVIII 



PEOPAGATION OF KASPBEEEIES 



Layering. The black raspberry illustrates a method 

 of plant propagation, known as layering. A layer is a 

 shoot or root, which while still attached to the plant, 

 is made to take root with the intention that it shall be 

 severed and form an independent plant. In the case of 

 the black raspberry, the tip of the stem or the whole 

 stem is bent to the ground and covered with earth. At 

 the tip or the joints, as the case may be, roots are emit- 

 ted. The layers are usually allowed to remain one sea- 

 son before they are severed and set out as new plants. 

 Almost any plant having shoots which can be bent to 

 the ground can be propagated by layers; but the best 

 result in layering is obtained in plants which have 

 rather soft wood. 



