96 WINTER GREENERIES AT HOME. 



be more convenient than a dish of sand, and will be quite 

 as good in all respects. 



7. Another method is sometimes used by florists with 

 soft-stemmed plants, like the Geranium, which entirely 

 dispenses with the cutting-dish or bed, and is said to be 

 very successful. The stem is partly broken off at the 

 proper point, but is not detached until the surface of the 

 fracture becomes hardened or "callused;" then it is 

 potted at once, and soon takes root in the soil. The cal- 

 lus seems to be always the precedent condition of rooting, 

 and its formation is thus secured in the open air without 

 danger of "damping off." 



8. If with any particular kind of plant the cuttings all 

 fail to send out roots, then resort to half-cuttings, or 

 " layers," as they are called. The operation is easily 

 managed in the house by using a small pot for the "lay- 

 er" near the larger one. Selecting a shoot or branch 

 that may be laid down, make the cut half way through, 

 and half an inch along the center, and then carefully 

 bend the split part open, press it into the soil an inch 

 deep, and fasten it down with a forked twig, or a bit of 

 wire bent like a hair-pin. This method, as you see, 

 gives to the cutting a partial support while the roots are 

 forming, and so has the advantage of being rather more 

 sure than the other ; but it generally requires a longer 

 time, and is much less convenient. 



Do not fail on any account to make a thorough trial of 

 the cutting-dish, or "saucer system," as it is called. 

 Your success will probably exceed your expectations, and 

 it may occasionally treat you to a delightful surprise, 

 . such as that of saving a plant supposed to be lost. 



For example, I once brought home a Coleus of a rare 

 variety, planted it out in the garden, and soon after 

 found it cut down close to the ground by a worm noth- 

 ing left but a stem about two inches long. This was put 

 into the cutting-dish, and within ten days was nicely 



