PROPAGATION BY CUTTINGS 9 



so cut the trench that in no case should more than half an inch of 

 wood be above the surface of the bed (see Fig. 3). At a distance 

 apart of i inch the cuttings are stood along the trench resting against 

 the back wall, every portion of the cutting being in direct contact 

 with solidly pressed soil. When the row is complete, turn 3 inches 

 of loose soil on to the cuttings all along the row, taking care not to 

 displace any of them (see Fig. 4). Tread this well in (see Fig. 4A), 

 then turn over a further 3 inches and tread again, the final 3 inches 

 to make the level must also be trodden (see Fig. 48). When a 

 sufficient width has been dug to admit another row, level the top 

 with the back of the spade, shift your line and carry on row after 

 row. This is best done between mid-October and mid-November, 



FiO. 4. A. Treading in. B. Filling- in Trench 



and before the period of sharp frosts, for by doing it thus early 

 the returning sap locked up in each cutting will form a callus ready 

 for the emission of roots. 



When severe frost does come it has the effect of loosening and 

 heaving the soil in the process of thawing, and this often loosens 

 the cuttings, which you can find out by testing. Therefore, as soon 

 as the thaw is over and the soil fairly dry, it is always a safe plan 

 to tread them in again a process which should be repeated as often 

 as sharp frost and thaw renders it advisable. The very life of 

 the cuttings depends upon their close grip with the soil, so that it 

 pays to follow this firming-up until the roots are made and strong 

 enough to maintain their own grip. The only other attention 

 required throughout the first growing season is that of keeping 

 down the weeds and frequent hoeing to keep the surface of the soil 



