ON THE PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 31 



The plan, it will be perceived, is as much as possible con- 

 densed into regular methods and those plants to be operated 

 upon are designated by their proper character, in the Descrip- 

 tive List of their respective departments, by which much 

 space and repetition is in this place obviated. . _ ,.-, 



Of all the different processes in Horticulture, propagation, 

 or increase, is the most difficult, and, consequently, requires 

 every attention of the operator. Correctness must be, in all 

 cases, attended to, and a neat and active performance of the 

 subject acted upon must be duly regarded, as in amputation, 

 insertion, and the like principles, that will be requisite in the 

 different operations. 



ART. 2. Propagation by Seed. 



The seed contains all the rudiments of the parent plant in 

 emhryo ; and expands its functionary qualities, and is de- 

 veloped into a new plant when the necessary stimulants and 

 nutriments are present, either in a natural or artificial form. 

 The propagation of any plant or seed, out of its natural cli- 

 mate, is attended, in all cases, by artificial means, and is, 

 therefore, under the laws of culture. 



Proper location for Seed. That most plants require a 

 proper location, is very apparent to the inquiring observer ; 

 some are found to grow naturally, and thrive, in water, as the 

 Water Lily ; others may be considered as amphibious, grow- 

 ing sometimes in, and at others out of water, as the Water 

 Plantain, Arrowhead, and the like ; to the reverse of this, 

 we find some plants living and thriving on rocks, and such 

 locations, where it is very difficult to receive water or food 

 from any other source than atmospheric air. Other plants, 

 we find, are natives of rich and fertile valleys ; and some are 

 ornamentally intended, by nature, as a fringe to the woods, 

 by way sides, and the like ; hence, a corresponding climate, 

 soil, and situation, are always the best adapted, and should be 

 as near as possible obtained, to grow seeds and to propagate 

 young plants to perfection. 



