PROPAGATION 13 



the stem was severed shoot buds are developed, and these are after- 

 wards removed and used as cuttings. Opuntias are treated in the 

 same way, even the largest branches rooting freely. Cactus stems 

 are so different from those of other plants, that no comparison 

 can be made in respect of their root -developing capacity. The 

 very soft, fleshy stem should be allowed to dry at the base before 

 setting it in the soil. If the base of a plant decays, all that is 

 necessary is the removal of the decayed portion, exposure of the 

 wound to the air for two or three days, and then planting it in dry 



Fig. 3. Seedlings of Opuntia, showing Mode of ^termination. 



(Magnified three time*.) 



sandy soil, placing it in a warm moist house to root. Plants thaii 

 branch or produce offsets, are readily propagated by means of 

 cuttings, preferably in early spring. 



Grafting. 



The object of grafting is to effect certain changes in tht 

 nature of the scion by uniting it with a stock of a character 

 different from its own, for the better production of flowers, fruit, 

 etc., or to multiply plants which are not readily increased by the 

 ordinary methods of cuttings or seeds. In the case of Cacti, 

 resort is had to grafting for some of the kinds, and especially the 



