40 NATURE TEACHING. 



6. Branches of shrubs will frequently 

 take root if they are fastened down on moist 

 soil. By means of suitable pegs secure two 

 or three branches of a rose, or other tree, 

 firmly upon the ground, covering them with a 

 a little soil where they touch the ground ; 

 water and tend carefully. The branch will 

 after a time be found to have rooted and may 

 then be severed from the parent tree and 

 planted in another spot. Rooting may be en- 

 couraged in this operation by removing a 

 narrow ring of bark at the place where the 

 branch touches the ground. 



7. When valuable trees are to be propa- 

 gated, and it is important that no risk be run 

 of the cutting dying, the last plan may be 

 modified as follows. On the rose, hibiscus, or 

 other shrub which it is desired to propagate, 

 select a branch which is easily accessible and 

 from it remove a ring of bark, right round the 

 stem, about half an inch in width. Have ready 

 a bamboo pot, split into halves, place the pot 

 in position round the stem where it has been 

 prepared, bringing that part of the stem from 

 which the bark has been removed to about 

 the middle of the pot. Tie the two halves of 

 the pot together and secure it firmly in its 

 place by fastening it to a stake driven in the 



