50 PROPAGATION OF THE ROSK. 



planted out, and devoted to propagation, the proper method is to dig 

 up the'plants in autumn, tracing the roots as far as they go, and tak- 

 ing the portions whic i have been growing above ground out at the 

 same time. Some kinds will have half a dozen, or more, perfect plants, 

 which have been formed by the spreading at the root, and the end 

 growing up through the surface. These suckers should be trimmed 

 and planted carefully, at such distance as the sizes warrant ; generally 

 in rows a yard apart, and the plants eighteen inches from each other. 

 Here they have to be cut down in spring to within three or four eyes 

 of the ground. 



Propagation "by Layers. 



The Eose will propagate from layers. To do this, some merely select 

 a lower branch, and, bending the wood sharp between two joints, peg 

 that down under ground in autumn ; it will root well by the following 

 fall. Others cut a notch in the wood, on the upper side, which makea 

 the bend sharper ; but there is more danger of breaking it. Another 

 method is, to run a knife through the wood, so as to split it, and then 

 give the wood a little twist ; but most of the sorts will root if only 

 pegged under the surface. That, however, is rarely resorted to ; and 

 when it is considered what facilities for propagation are offered other- 

 wise, it is no wonder. The laying should be done as soon as the 

 wood has ripened, and the pegs to be used should be like a miniature 

 hooked walking stick, which it is easy to form out of any branch of 

 wood. This hook is thrust into the ground firmly, to hold fast the 

 whole winter and summer season. 



In dry weather, the layers should be watered, as the trees them- 

 eelves, or bushes, frequently prevent the rain from coming near tho 

 surface, where the branch is pegged down, and they would in such 

 cases have no encouragement to root. In the autumn of the next year, 

 examine them all before they are cut off from the parent root, and if 

 rooted, of which there will be little doubt, cut the new plant away, 

 with all the new root; and in planting it out in another place, shorten 

 the portion above ground to half its length; and at pruning time, m 

 the spring, cut it down within three or four eyes of the ground, in order 

 that it may form a bush. 



