THE CULTURE OF PLANTS 



yet be sparing, and defend them from too much 

 raine. 



To propagate by cuttings, is to cut off the branch 

 or stem of a plant, and so set it in the earth with- 

 out roots. 



Strip it of leaves and branches, twist the branch, 

 if it not too brittle ; plant deeper than these with 

 roots, and in a rich and moist soil, keeping it watered 

 and shaded, until rooted ; cut off their tops, except 

 greens, as if your cutting be twelve inches long, let 

 nine be under, and three above ground. 



The better to effect the rooting, if a hard sub- 

 stance, as yew, quince, &c. twist their ends a little, 

 or cleave them a piece. If tender plants of great 

 pith, as jasmines, July-flowers, &c. cut only at a 

 joint or knot, and plant them, and cover these cut- 

 tings, especially July-flowers or pinks, with bell- 

 glasses, and in the sunshine shade them, nor suffer 

 them to have any air until they are well rooted and 

 are growing ; for air rots cuttings, but it is other- 

 wise in layers. If large stems of pithy trees, as pop- 

 lars, &c. sharp their ends down to a point, reserv- 

 ing the bark whole on one side. 



If stock- July-flowers, slit the bark near the end 

 in several parts round the stem, fold up the bark so 



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