Cultivation of the Caniatio7i and Picoiee. 359 



MODE OF LAYERING. 



The most successul method of perpetuating choice flowers 

 is by the system termed layering, (fig. 23 ]) and having 

 in the preceding pages of this article, developed the modes 

 pursued for raising new kinds by seeding, and in prop- 

 agating existing sorts by pipings, we have deemed it expedi- 

 ent to explain here the best known practical means of suc- 

 cessfully carrying out that system. Layering is seldom begun 

 so early as piping, and never before the beginning of June, 

 which is frequently continued to the middle or end of Au- 

 gust, but the sooner it is commenced the better will it be for 

 layers. If, however, a large quantity of these be an object, 

 the operation had better be deferred 

 until the gayest blooms are nearly 

 exhausted ; but, on the other hand, 

 where layering is driven off very 

 late, it not unfrequently happens 

 that, owing to an uncongenial sea- 

 son, hundreds will fail to get rooted 

 during the autumn. The operator 

 should be provided with a sharp 

 thin penknife, some layer pegs or- 

 hooks, and a barrow or basket oft 

 fresh riddled mould from the soil! 

 heap, with an additional portion of 

 drift or sand mixed with it ; then proceed in removing to the 

 depth of an inch or two, the top soil from the pots or borders 

 about the plants, and stir the earth a little below it ; carefully 

 pinch off the leaves from the lower part of the shoots intend- 

 ed to be laid, and shorten the tops of the upper leaves a little, 

 clearing away the rubbish ;* this should be effected some 

 hours of sunshine previously to layering, that the shoots may 

 be more pliant, and in less danger of breaking from the oper- 



•The above cut represents the mode of layering the plants. The side 

 shoots, after being cut, as described by the writer, are pegged down, as 

 shown in the engraving. In the open ground no waterings am necessary 

 after that given at the time of finishing the operation, unless the weather 

 prove unusually dry. — Ed. 



