34 



PROPAGATION BY UNDERGROUND PARTS 



Dividing and Transplanting. — Probably the best time to divide 

 plants, either herbs or shrubs, is in the late autumn, after the leaves 

 have fallen. The whole plant may be taken up with plenty of its 

 roots. The dividing may be done by means of a sharp spade, and 

 by spreading the main parts until they separate. It is usually not 

 necessary to treat the wounds in any way except to cover them 

 with soil. 



The divided plants should be set in their new places as soon 

 as convenient. 



Fig. 19. 



Fig. 20. 



Fia. 19. — The Christmas rose (Helleborus) is propagated by dividing the crown and roots. 



Fig. 20. — The common peony is propagated by dividing the fleshy roots. Some of these 

 may grow without the crown buds but do better with them. 



PROPAGATION OP BULBOUS PLANTS 



Propagation of plants by means of bulbs is sometimes called 

 separation because the bulbs are vegetative organs that are nat- 

 urally detachable. 



Using Bulbs of Different Types.— The solid bulb, as found in 

 cyclamen of the greenhouse, and in the Indian turnip of the woods, 



