138 STEWART—PROPAGATION OF MUTISIA DECURRENS. 
convenient. A suitable length for cuttings is from six to eight 
inches, and no leaves must be removed from them. When 
inserting the cuttings it is not advisable to make holes, but 
just press the basal end into the sand deep enough to enable 
the cutting to stand erect. This brings the lower portion into 
contact with the moist sand in such a manner as will promote 
immediate root growth. 
After the cuttings are inserted a steady temperature of 
about 58° F. must be maintained. Water of the same tempera- 
ture as that in the propagating frame should be given—using 
a fine rose—in liberal quantities at least once a day, or more 
frequently in bright weather. On warm, sunny days, or during 
drying winds, it will be found beneficial to water every hour 
from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
The summit portion of a shoot roots more readily than does 
the basal portion, the reason being that the growing points 
have not yet become so woody and are thus in a better state 
for producing roots. If the older portions, however, are used, 
and the water supply kept up, they will root, although they may 
be a fortnight or three weeks later of doing so. 
It is not advisable to leave the cuttings long in the sand after 
roots have commenced to form, but as soon as these are two 
to three inches long, the plants should be potted up. A suitable 
compost for potting consists of three parts loam and one part 
crock dust. 
After potting, which must not be done too firmly, the plants 
should be placed back into the frame in which they were struck 
and receive a thorough watering. Water must then be with- 
held from the roots until the compost in the pots becomes 
somewhat dry, but in order to reduce transpiration and prevent 
flagging the foliage should be frequently lightly sprayed. 
Aiter an interval of about a week from the time of potting 
the roots of many of the cuttings will appear at the sides of the 
pots. These plants can then safely be removed to a cool house 
there to remain until they are required for planting in border 
or greenhouse. 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXVIII. 
Illustrating L. B. Stewart’s Paper on Mutisia decurrens, Cav. 
The plate is — res a photograph by Mr. R. M. Adam of rooted cuttings 
the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinbur urgh. 
Fic. t. Intermediate stem-cutting—moderate development of root. 
IG. 2. Basal stem-cutting—poor development of root. 
Fic. 3. Apical stem-cutting—strong development of root. 
