ROOTS 



95 



86. ROOTS 



Object. To learn how plants may be propagated by 

 cuttings. 



Apparatus. Branches of plants named in the preceding Experi- 

 ment, also geranium, fuchsia, or begonia. Flowerpots of clean, sharp 

 sand. 



Method. Make the cuttings with a sharp knife. Remove 

 nearly all the leaves. Thrust each branch into a flower- 

 pot of sand. Dampen it, cover it to prevent drying out, 



FIG. 36. Rooted cuttings. 



and set it in the shade for one week. Remove one cutting 

 and examine it. Look for a scab or callus where the cut- 

 off end is healing. Examine the cuttings from day to day 

 to study the formation of roots. 



Conclusion. How may plants be propagated by cut- 

 tings ? 



Query. Of what practical value is this knowledge ? Of 

 what commercial importance is this to the florist and gar- 

 dener ? 



