PROPAGATION AND PAISING. 136 
inside so as to sever the bark, but nc deeper, w 
oe the emission of roots: the pot may be then filled 
h earth, and suspended in a very convenient posi- 
tion, aa if kept moist will soon be filled with roots; after 
which it may be cut away and treated as other stock. 
Fig. 26 is an example of this kind of layering. 
Grafting can be only considered as just coming within 
the scope of propagation, the object being not so much to 
increase the number of plants, as the changing or one 
kind on to the root or stock of another. It is generally 
adopted to obtain a superior or more favorite variety than 
the one that is occupying some particular spot, and 
been recommended as capable of increasing the hardi- 
ness of the future plant, providing that the stock is of 
that nature; the theory being, that a hardy sort imparts 
a portion of its character to the new parts. There is 
no doubt some advantage gained by the process, but 
it must not be put down for certain that a native root 
will so far alter the constitution of the exotic as to 
make it prosper out of doors under all circumstances, 
and in all situations where the former would thrive, all 
that will or can be gained is the greater hardihood of the 
roots, which may in some cases give a more steady or un- 
interrupted flow to the branches, and consequently a better 
chance of resisting that bane to the exotic ~~. the 
excessive climatic changes. It is a method that is of 
service excepting for he above reasons, as sie and 
healthy plants will answer a better purpose generally. 
As the grape-vine is ilgee to “bleed,” if cut early in 
the season, and dees not do so after the leaves are ex 
panded, it is — to defer the operation until growth 
has somewhat progressed ; ng rena eh Seger ee 
certainty of success. And as the same heat that excites 
the stock into activit:: will =. start the exeeoras ¢ seicns 2 
