QUESTIONS 47 



Analogous to Root Division.— There is but little difference 

 between mound layering and root division, except that in mound 

 layering the gardener finds it necessary to mound up the soil among 

 the lower branches to induce more roots to be formed on the stems 

 already bearing buds or branches. Propagation by root division 

 was explained in Chapter IV. 



Pot Layering. — In some indoor plants, such as the India rub- 

 ber plant of greenhouses, propagation is effected by means of pot 

 layering. 



A flower pot is split open and the two halves are tied around an 

 upright branch and the pot is filled with sand or soil, or wet moss. 

 If the branch be wounded at the place, a cluster of roots will be 

 formed in the pot. After this the branch may be cut off below the 

 pot and we have a separate plant already rooted. The young plant 

 is then repotted in good soil in a larger pot for further growth. 



HOME PROJECTS AND NURSERY EXERCISES 



1. Root Cuttings. — Propagate blackberries, dewberries, or Loganberries, 

 by root cuttings. 



2. Types of Cuttings. — Make cuttings from grape, or other available 

 plants, showing each of the four forms. 



3. Grapes from Cuttings. — In early winter make many cuttings of grapes. 

 Tie the cuttings in bundles of twenty-five each, and label properly. Store 

 these as directed. Plant when danger of frost is over. Give them proper care 

 for one year and sell plants or transplant to a vineyard. Continue this project 

 as long as desired. 



4. Trees and Shrubs from Cuttings. — During the dormant season make 

 cuttings of currants, gooseberries, privet, golden bell, Japanese barberry, 

 Japanese rose, spirea, syringa, or any shrubs that may be available. Try some 

 that you are doubtful about propagating by this method. This exercise may 

 be continued as a project by storing, planting, and caring for the cuttings for 

 a season or more. 



5. Green Wood Cuttings. — Propagate geranium, fuchsia, begonia, rose, or 

 other house plants, using methods suggested for green wood cuttings. After 

 rooting, these may be cared for and the plants sold when brought to flowering 

 age. This is a project suited to indoor work. 



6. 7, 8. Layering. — Conduct projects similar to the above with vine lay- 

 ering, tip layering, and mound layering, using such plants as are suggested in 

 this chapter. 



9. Contest in Propagation. — Let contests be held for one season in success- 

 ful propagation of plants by hardwood cuttings and by layering. It is partic- 

 ularly important to give most value in such contests to the propagation of 

 small fruits and ornamental plants. 



10. Investigation. — -Let each student determine approximately how many 

 simple cuttings could be made while pruning the grapes at his home and 

 neighboring places. Report the number and varieties at school. Let someone 

 write to a nursery and ascertain the usual prices per thousand allowed for such 

 cuttings. Calculate the money value of these to the community if they were 



