38 PROPAGATION BY UNDERGROUND PARTS 



HOME PROJECTS AND' GARDEN EXERCISES 



1. Root Division. — Dig, divide, and transplant a number of herbaceous 

 plants, such as are mentioned on the first page of this chapter. 



2. Propagate a few shrubs by root division. In each case study the re- 

 sults to determine the importance of having healthy buds and good roots on 

 each division. With what shrubs propagated is this most important? Which 

 least? 



3. Suckers. — Propagate cherries, plums, or other trees by means of 

 suckers. 



4. Multiplying Bulbs. — In autumn dig such bulbs as carinas, caladiums, 

 dahlias, or others that are available. Study their multiplication. Record the 

 numbers of new bulbs in several cases. 



5. Kinds of Bulbs. — Make a collection of the different types of bulbs 

 described in this chapter. Label each. 



6. Quantity of Potato Seed.— Conduct a project using different rates of 

 planting Irish potatoes. (1) Use whole potatoes. (2) Use half potatoes. (3) 

 Two eyes on each piece. (4) One eye on each piece. (5) Use thick potato 

 peelings. (6) Have some cut lengthwise of the potatoes. Use equal areas for 

 these lots. Compare yields. Calculate profits, considering cost of seed, for 

 each. Reduce results to the acre basis. 



7. Propagation Contest. — Students should have a contest in plant prop- 

 agation by methods described in this chapter. The plants should be replanted 

 on the home grounds or school grounds, or supplied to others. Make a suit- 

 able set of scores or points, for the common plants of the region; for example 

 let each lilac count 1, each climbing rose 1, each bulb 2, each pansy root 2, 

 lily of the valley 2, golden glow 2, purple iris 1, other iris 2, peony 3, bush 

 rose 3, etc. 



QUESTIONS 



1. What plants are readily propagated by root cuttings? 



2. Mention vegetables and flowers that may be propagated by "root divi- 



sion." 



3. What shrubs may be propagated by this method? 



4. What are suckers, and how U3ed? 



5. Describe propagation of hyacinths or other bulbs. 



6. Define "eye end" and "stem end" with reference to Irish potatoes. 



7. Describe a good method of cutting Irish potatoes for planting. 



References.— U. S. Farmers' Bulletins: 157, The Propagation of Plants; 

 S33, Good Seed Potatoes; 847, Potato Storage. 



