CHAPTER IV. 



CUTTAGE. 



I. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF CUTTINGS. 



Cuttings, particularly of growing parts, demand a 

 moist and uniform atmosphere, a porous soil, and some- 

 times bottom heat. 



Devices for Regulating Moisture and Heat. — In order to 

 secure a uniform and moist atmosphere, various propagat- 

 ing-frames are in common use. Whatever its construction, 

 the frame should be sufficiently tight to confine the air 

 closely ; it should admit light, and allow of ventilation. 

 The simplest form of propagating-frame is a pot or box 

 covered with a pane of glass (Fig. 2). To admit of venti- 

 lation, the glass is tilted at intervals, or two panes may be 

 used and a space be allowed to remain between them. A 

 common bell-glass or bell-jar {cloche of the French) makes 



one of the best and 

 handiest propagating- 

 frames, because it 

 admits light upon all 

 sides and is conve- 

 nient to handle. It 

 is particularly service 

 able in the propa- 

 gation of tropical or 

 "stove" plants; and 

 it is in universal use 



44 Hand-glass. 



for all difficult and rare subjects which are not propagated 

 in large numbers. A hand-glass or hand-light (Fig. 44) 



(44) 



