GROWTH OF PLANTS INDEPENDENTLY OF SEEDS 71 



10. Note the rapidity with which certain weeds, if left to 

 themselves, spread. See whether this is due to growth by under- 

 ground stems or to dispersion of seeds. 



11. Note the propagation of plants in gardens by methods 

 such as layering, taking of cuttings, budding, grafting, etc. These 

 are all means of reproduction independently of seed, either from 

 the leaf, or the stem, or a bud the vegetative organs of the 

 plant, as they are called, for they are the organs engaged in the 

 normal life of the plant, not usually in the special work of repro- 

 duction. These modes of propagation have been also developed 

 in plants, which have been introduced from other countries and 

 therefore may not readily form seed in England. Carnations and 

 Strawberries are " layered/' that is young shoots are pegged 

 down to the ground, in order that they may become rooted before 

 being severed from the parent stem. Geraniums and many other 

 plants are propagated by cuttings. These are best made in 

 August. A cutting should be made straight under the node, 

 and the sap allowed to ooze out for some twenty-four hours 

 before it is planted in a pot. 



Roses are often propagated by budding. A dormant bud of 

 the variety of rose tree that is to be perpetuated is inserted on a 

 stock which is in the right condition. The Dog Rose is often 

 chosen, and stocks can be obtained from country lanes during 

 the winter. By the following July, the shoot is ready for the 

 insertion of the buds. A plump young bud of the Rose with 

 a little bark attached to it is inserted under the bark of the 

 stock, and the wound bound up, leaving the bud uncovered. 



Corms, it may be noted, sometimes form cormlets or " spawn " 

 at their bases. The Gladiolus can reproduce itself in this way. 

 The cormlets are collected and sown in the spring, in beds of 

 rather sandy soil. They are " lifted " from the soil annually, 

 just as older plants are, and flower in about three or four 

 years. 



Lastly, it may be mentioned that Begonias are propagated 

 by their leaves. The principal veins are cut through and the 

 leaf pegged down with hairpins, or small stones, on to specially 

 prepared soil placed in a pan or box. The box has to be kept 

 at a certain temperature, and, if properly treated, plants will be 



