PROPAGATION. 25 



such as the gooseberry, .currant, vine, fig, etc. With large 



and strong shoots, the best success may result if cuttings are 



separated at the point between the one and two year's 



. growth. When small side-shoots are used, they 



Y should be cut closely to the main stem, so as to 



secure the collar or enlarged portion of the wood at 



the base of the shoot. Fig. 24. Roots are more 



readily thrown out, if the cut is made immediately 



below a bud. 



The best time to take oif cuttings, in ordinary 

 cases, is in autumn and winter. The autumn is pre- 

 ferable, by giving time for the wounded section to 

 callus, preparing it for the early emission of roots 

 Fig. 24.— in spring. But where the soil is heavy or liable 

 to heave by frost, or where the cuttings are of 

 tender trees, they should be kept in damp earth in a cellar, 

 to be planted as soon as the frost disappears from the ground. 

 If not taken ofE till spring, the operation must be performed 

 as early as possible. In ordinary instances, to prevent dry- 

 ing, about two-thirds or three-quarters of the shoot should be 

 buried beneath the surface; and the moisture may be still 

 further retained by a covering of manure, leaves, or moss, or 

 by placing them under the shade of a wall or 

 close fence. When long, like the grape, they 

 should be placed sloping, so as not to be buried 

 too deep or beyond the influence of the sun's ^ , 

 warmth. Failure often results from a neglect to ^ ' 

 press the soil closely about the cutting. " •''" 



To procure young plants of the gooseberry and 

 currant with straight, clean stems at the surface, 

 and free from suckers, it is only necessary to re- E I 



move every bud except a few at the upper end. 

 Fig. 25. The length may be from eight inches 



to a foot- , ^ FIG. =s.-C«t- 



There are many plants easily propagated by ting of Cur- 

 cuttings, if the two great requisites of vegetation, rant. 

 namely, moisture and warmth, are increased by artificial 

 means, as in a hotbed under glass; or in a propagating- 

 house, under sash, or bell-glasses, with artificial heat gently 

 applied beneath. 



