170 NATURE STUDY AND AGRICULTURE 



flowerpot concave side down, or place a few pebbles or 

 bits of broken crockery or brick in the bottom of the can. 

 Why do you do this? 



An old caseknife or a small wooden paddle will be 

 found useful in removing the plants from the propagation 

 box. Fill the pot about half full of soil, then place the 

 plant in position in the middle, and hold it while you fill 

 in the soil around it. Press the soil down firmly with the 

 thumbs, water well, and set in a subdued light. After a 

 few days let the plant have plenty of light. Keep it well 

 watered, but do not allow the saucer or vessel that catches 

 the drainage to stand full of water. Why ? This will keep 

 the soil standing so full of water that it shuts out the 

 air and the roots need air to keep them alive. 



Special Observations. — When making cuttings, place 

 three or four extra ones in the propagation box for ex- 

 amination. When time for transplanting comes, remove 

 the sand or soil from the ends of these to see what has 

 happened. Has the cut healed ? Gardeners say the stem 

 has formed a callus. If it does not form a callus, or heal, 

 it will not grow. Where have the roots come out on the 

 stem? Does it take some plants longer than others to 

 produce roots? Put in several different kinds and note 

 the time required. Why is it better to start cuttings in 

 sand or soil than in water? The plants may form a 

 callus and root in the water, but they are not as likely to 

 do well when transplanted. The roots must adjust them- 

 selves to entirely new conditions, and this they may not be 

 able to do at once and as a result the plant may die. 



After the plants have been transplanted, watch the 

 appearance of new leaves. Where ? How does the stem 



