102 



THE NURSERY-MANUAL 



in a moist atmosphere, a young plant will start from nearly 

 AVery* pronounced' angle in the margin (Fig. 106). In Rex 



FIG. 107. Begonia leaf-cutting. 



begonias, also, the whole leaf may be used, as shown in Fig. 107. 

 It is laid on moist sand in a frame and held down by splinters 

 thrust through the ribs. The wound made by the peg induces 

 the formation of roots, and a young plant arises. A half 

 dozen or more plants may be obtained from one leaf. Some 

 operators cut the ribs, instead of wounding them with a prick. 

 Many gardeners prefer to divide the leaf into two nearly equal 

 parts, and then set each part, or the better one, upright in the 

 soil, the severed edge being covered. This is shown in Fig. 108. 

 Fewer plants often only one are obtained in this manner, 



but they are strong. 



When stock is scarce, the 

 begonia leaf may be cut into 

 several fan-shaped pieces. 

 The whole leaf may be 

 divided into as many tri- 

 angular segments as can be 

 secured with a portion of 

 the petiole, a strong rib or 



An upright begonia leaf-cut- . i j xi_ i_ 



t ing> a vein attached at the base ; 



FIG. 108. 



