VANILLA 39 



covered with hairs had found their way to the manures where 

 previously no roots were found. 



Propagating. The vanilla plant is always propa- 

 gated by cuttings. Though it has been raised from 

 seed, in any ordinary case it would not be worth while 

 to attempt to grow it from seed, as it is easy enough 

 to propagate from cuttings. 



There is some difference in the length of cuttings used 

 in different places. The Mexicans make cuttings 3 or 

 4 ft. long or even more. It is more common, however, 

 to make short cuttings of a foot or so in length. 



It is claimed that plants grown from long cuttings 

 commence flowering in the first year. The short 

 cuttings certainly take longer, not coming into bearing 

 until about the third or fourth year. 



When long cuttings are used, the stem is laid on 

 the ground in a circle up to half its length, or is coiled 

 round its future support. Its tip requires to be protected 

 from the sun, and the plant must be frequently watered. 

 I find also that it is advisable to cover the prostrate 

 stem with a light layer of soil or rotten leaves to save 

 it from injury and hasten its growth. 



In planting short cuttings, the base is inserted in 

 the ground for about an inch, and a stick put close to 

 it to start it climbing, or it may be put close to the 

 tree on which it is to climb. At least two joints of 

 the stem must be above the ground. After a week 

 or two the plant puts out a shoot from one of the leaf 

 axils, which soon lengthens, and sending out roots 

 commences to cling to the support. The leaves of the 

 young branch are usually brighter green, smaller and 

 narrower than those of the original cutting. Eventu- 

 ally, however, they attain their full size and deep green 

 colour. 



For convenience the cuttings may be started in a 

 nursery and removed to the garden when they have 

 commenced to grow. The nursery beds should be made 

 of good, rich leaf-mould, and shaded. As a rule, at least 

 in the Straits Settlements, the cuttings require water- 



