6o PLANT CULTURE 



for the stronger rooted sorts. Shade at all times and maintain a 

 temperature of from 50 to 60 degrees. 



Propagation. D. Veilchii is readily rooted if the cuttings are 

 taken at the proper time; that is, when young shoots develop on a 

 cut-back plant. They are removed with a heel and kept in a close, 

 warm propagating frame. But this is a slower method than grafting 

 if the necessary stocks are at hand. P. Guilfoylei, or any of the 

 woody species of Polyscias make good enough stock on which to work 

 them. Select long, wiry wood for cions — that which is not too thick 

 and well ripened. In cutting cions allow a piece of the stem to each 

 leaf. Cut the stock clear across and down to as near the soil as 

 possible; make an incision in it downward for three-quarters of an 

 inch. Make the wood of the cion wedge-shaped to fit the incision, 

 and tie to keep in position till united, during which process they 

 should be kept in a rather warm, humid atmosphere — a moderately 

 warm propagating frame will answer. The leaves of the cions, if too 

 large, should be shortened back a little. March is the best month 

 in which to perform the operation. Aralia Chabrieri, so called, 

 strikes so readily from cuttings put in a cool house that there is no 

 necessity for grafting them. 



Fatsia japonica is conceded to be one of the best plants for 

 decorative purposes, but like several other worthy plants it is diffi- 

 cult to work up a stock readily, possibly because methods of propa- 

 gation are not evident. It is rather backward in producing seeds 

 in this country, although moderately large plants flower freely 

 enough. From cuttings, by topping old plants, it is rather slow. 

 It is said to vegetate from pieces of the roots. Seeds are obtainable 

 from some of the European firms at reasonable prices. During 

 March or April the seeds are available and should be sown imme- 

 diately, as they do not retain their vitality for any great length of 

 time. Firm the soil in the seed pans before sowing, and cover with 

 a mixture of loam and sand; place in a temperature suitable for 

 warm greenhouse plants; shade the plants from the sun. The 

 seedlings, as soon as large enough to handle, should be potted off 

 singly into 2-inch pots, and when in 4-inch pots they should be 

 plunged outside during the Summer in a frame covered with slats, 

 or with sash, tilted top and bottom alternately. When large enough 

 the plants should be shifted, as they suflEer from being root-bound. 

 Old plants will stand considerable frost, but the young plants are 

 always more tender and should on the approach of cool weather be 

 given protection. 



