PKOPAGATION. 27 



sandy, as this allows the cuttings, when struck, to be sepa- 

 rated more readily, and without breaking the young and tender 

 roots. The soil, as filled in, must be pressed down very 

 firmly, and upon the top of it must be placed a layer — ^half-an- 

 inch to an inch deep, according to the size of the cuttings — 

 of clean sharp silver sand. The pots will now be ready for 

 planting. The cuttings, having been taken from the plant, 

 must be cut through with a sharp knife, close below a joint or 

 bud, and the bottom leaves cut ofi". The qunntity of leaves to 

 be taken oflF the cuttings will depend upon the kind of treat- 

 ment they are to receive ; if they are to he placed under a 

 close bell-glass, or in a close moist frame, the removing of a 

 few leaves will be quite sufficient, while if they are to be 

 exposed to a considerable amount of air, the greater portion 

 of the leaves must be removed ; but at all times sufficient 

 must be taken off to allow the cuttings to be firmly fixed in 

 the soil, as it is very important that they should not be 

 moved after being inserted. If they are placed under a beU- 

 glass, the glass will require frequent wiping upon the inside, 

 to dry up superabundant moisture ; and when the cuttings 

 are rooted, this glass must be tilted a little, till eventually it 

 may be removed entirely, which should be done, if possible, 

 a day or two before potting off. During all this time the 

 cuttings should be well shaded, as it would be very injurious 

 to them were they to be suffered to droop, or " flag," as it is 

 commonly called. Large-leafed plants may be increased by a 

 single eye, with a leaf attached, planted as a cutting ; and 

 many genera, such as Gloxinia, Gesnera, Begonia, and others, 

 may be increased by a single leaf, without an eye, or even by 

 small pieces of leaves inserted in sand. 



Grafting. — This method is resorted to either to encourage 

 the growth of weak and delicate kinds, by grafting them upon 

 a stronger grower, or to reduce gross and vigorous sorts by 



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