Propagation 'by Cuttings. 213 



the junction of the two season's growth appear to favor 

 the emission of roots. Some varieties of the grape root 

 more readily when, a short section of the parent branch 

 is removed with the cutting, forming a mallet or 

 T-shaped cutting {mallet cuttings). 



The cut forming the distal end of the cutting (115) 

 is preferably made somewhat above a node, in order 

 that the bud may not lose an undue amount of moisture 

 by evaporation from the adjacent cut surface. 



Cuttings of certain plants that do not readily form 

 roots when made in the ordinary way, may be induced 

 to do so by "ringing" the branch from which the cut- 

 ting is to be made (428 d), just below a node at aboul 

 midsummer. Callus will then form at the upper edge 

 of the ring (79), and food will be stored in the stem 

 immediately above it. In autumn the branch may be 

 severed just below the ring and a cutting made, of whicli 

 the base shall include the callused part, and which may 

 be treated in the usual manner. 



374. The Proper Length for Stem Cuttings depends 

 upon the conditions under which they are to be grown. 

 Cuttings containing only one bud often root freely and 

 form vigorous plants in the propagating bed, where heat 

 and moisture may be readily controlled. Such short 

 cuttings, however, are seldom used except when cut- 

 ting wood is scarce. Cuttings intended for planting in 

 the open ground are preferably made at least six inches 



long. 



375. How to Plant Stem Cuttings. The general 

 rules given for the planting of seeds apply with nearly 

 equal force to cuttings of the stem (344). Single-bud 



