186 GAKDEMKG FOIt THE SOUTH. 



CHAPTER IX. 



PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 



There are (wo modes of propagating plants, viz.: by 

 seed and by division. Species are propagated by seed, but 

 varieties, except in the case of annuals, generally by 

 division, as they do not always continue true from seed. 

 There are also two modes of propagating by division; in 

 the one, the plants root in the ground as suckers, layers, 

 and cuttings, and in the other they are made to unite with 

 another plant, as in budding, grafting, and inarching. 

 While all plants are naturally multiplied by seed, most 

 kinds also allow of propagation by division, as by taking- 

 offsets, or parting their roots, by suckers, cuttings, run- 

 ners, layers, etc. Propagation by seed often produces 

 new varieties, which are only to be perpetuated by 

 division of their roots, cuttings, layers, or by budding and 

 grafting upon stocks. 



Propagation by Seed. — The most healthy and vigor- 

 ous plants are generally produced by seed, though many 

 varieties can only be perpetuated by propagating by 

 division. The following conditions are necessary, says 

 Thompson, for successful propagation by seed: 1. That 

 the seeds be perfectly ripened. 2. That they have been 

 properly kept until the period of sowing. 3. That they be 

 sown at the proper time; and, finally, that the sowing be 

 performed in the proper manner. And it may be added 

 that to accomplish the object of sowing, the seeds sown 

 must be of just the kind intended to be used, and true to 

 that kind. 



The Maturity and Soundness of Seeds are neces- 

 sary to ensure the growth and perfection of the young 



