THE HANDLING OF THE PLANTS 



121 



the main veins cut; then the leaf is weighted down with pebbles 



or pegs so that these cut surfaces come into intimate contact 



with the soil beneath. The usual 



way, however, is to cut a triangular Jtivv^'iT"^ 



piece of the leaf (Fig. 125) and 



insert the tip in sand. So long 



as the cutting is alive, do not 



be discouraged, even if it do not 



start. 



125. Leaf-cutting. 



General treatment of cuttings. 



In the growing of all greenwood 



and leaf-cuttings, it is well to remem- 

 ber that they should have a gentle 



bottom heat; the soil should be 



such that it will hold moisture 



and yet not remain wet; the air 



about the tops should not become 



close and stagnant, else the plants will damp off; and the tops 



should be shaded for a time. In order to control all the 

 conditions, such cuttings are grown under 

 cover, as in a greenhouse, coldframe, or a 

 box in the residence window. 



An excellent method of starting cut- 

 tings in the living room is to make a double 

 pot, as shown in Fig. 126. Inside a 6-in. 

 pot set a 4-in. pot. Fill the bottom, a, with 

 gravel or bits of brick, for drainage. Plug 

 the hole in the inside pot. Fill the spaces 

 between, c, with earth, and in this set the 



cuttings. Water may be poured into the inner pot, h, to 



supply the moisture. 



126. Cuttings inserted 

 in a double pot. 



