Propagation hy Cuttings. 203 



of the two seasons' 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 (116) 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 about 

 midsummer. Callus will then form at the upper edge of 

 the ring (80), and food will be stored in the stem imme- 

 diately above it. In autumn the branch may be severed 

 just below the ring and a cutting made, of which the base 

 shall include the callused part, and which may be treated 

 in the usual manner. 



374. The Proper Length for Stem Cuttings depends up- 

 on 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 cutting 

 wood is scarce. Cuttings intended for planting in the 

 oi^en g]-ound 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 cuttings should 

 be planted with the bud facing upward, and one-half to 



