CUTTINGS 169 



and trim the edges off the upper ones. Why is this done ? 

 Leave this as a problem. 



Now place the cuttings in the groove made in the 

 propagation box. Place them an inch or more apart so 

 the leaves will have room enough to spread out and get the 

 light. When one groove is full, press the sand close to the 

 stem with your fingers. When all the cuttings are in, 

 water very thoroughly so that the sand will be washed up 

 close around the stems. Cover from the light for a day or 

 two with a paper. If the cuttings do not come to the top 

 of the box, a pane of glass laid over the top will keep the 

 moisture in and at the same time allow plenty of light. 



In caring for the cuttings keep the sand moist, but not 

 wet. Allow them plenty of light after the first day, but 

 not direct sunlight. If a glass is used over the box, it 

 should be taken off for half an hour each day. Why? 

 Plants need air and this gives a chance for a fresh supply. 



When the cuttings are well-rooted then comes the lesson 

 in transplanting. Have the children bring pots in which 

 they may place plants to take home. Baking-powder cans, 

 tomato cans, or small lard pails will serve just as well as 

 earthen flowerpots.- With a nail make a hole in the bottom 

 of the can. What for? Have the children bring some 

 garden soil or get some from a field near by. You may use 

 this as it is or you may make an excellent soil for potted 

 plants by mixing thoroughly one part of the garden soil 

 with one-fourth part sand and one-fourth humus, well- 

 rotted leaf mold or well-rotted stable manure. Have the 

 soil just moist enough so that when you press a handful of it 

 together it will readily fall apart when dropped. Cover 

 the hole in the bottom of the can with a piece of broken 



