354 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



and been cut back. It is usual to cut back plants to within a few inches 

 of their base, making an exception in the case of those somewhat shy in 

 the production of cuttings. The reason for leaving a greater length of 

 stem in such cases is that cuttings frequently develop on the stem and 

 must be detached. A good rule with show plants is to shake them out 

 of their flowering pots, then reduce the ball of earth sufficiently to re- 

 place them in a pot measuring six inches in diameter. Use some light 

 gritty compost, and avoid too firm potting. After repotting give each 

 plant a watering in, using a fine-rosed can for the purpose. Stand the 

 plants on a shelf near the glass roof of the greenhouse, and if this is not 

 possible, on the greenhouse bench, maintaining a temperature of between 

 45 degrees and 50 degrees. In a short time a fresh lot of shoots will de- 

 velop on the plants, and cuttings of this kind are those best calculated 

 to give satisfactory results. Where large quantities of cuttings are 

 required, after shaking the old plants out of their flowering pots, reduc- 

 ing the ball of earth, and at the same time cutting back some of the longer 

 and coarser roots, replant them in a bed of soil made up on the green- 

 house bench. This bed of light gritty soil should be from six inches to 

 eight inches deep, and the plants not too firmly bedded out. An even 

 surface should be made, so that when watering the water should be re- 

 tained and not run off on either side, as is the case unless this simple 

 rule be observed. The same temperature should be given in this case 

 as that advised for plants in pots. Within a period of ten days to a 

 fortnight the cutting should be developing in large numbers. The soil 

 must be kept just moist, neither too pasty not too dry. Some may not 

 care to treat their old plants in this way ; the trouble is too great. If 

 so, cut out any attenuated shoots of comparatively recent growth, also 

 weakly ones. Although the early-flowering varieties appear strong, 

 they are often among the first of the old plants to suffer, and when such 

 is the case their only chance is either to repot them or plant them out 

 on the greenhouse bench the two methods of increasing the supply of 

 cuttings. 



The Best Cuttings.- The best, and in truth the only good, cut- 

 tings to be obtained are those which push their way through the soil 

 at some distance from the old stem. These are of recent growth, 

 and generally go ahead immediately they become rooted. The other 

 form of cuttings is produced close to the old stem, and often develops on 

 the stem itself. Varieties rather shy in producing cuttings often have 

 to be perpetuated by stem-cuttings. This kind should not be too long, a 

 desirable length being between two and a half inches and three inches. 

 It should be detached from the old shoot with a sharp knife, and cut 

 straight through immediately below a joint formed by the junction of 

 the leaf -stalk with the stem. The bottom leaf should be removed by 

 the sharp knife also, trimming this off close to the stem of the cutting. 

 This is then ready for inserting in the propagating frame. Stem-cuttings 

 are not advisable, as they are apt to develop buds prematurely, and in 

 consequence completely upset a proper system of high culture, besides 

 causing much inconvenience during their period of propagation. 



