122 PLANT CULTURE 



Between old stocks of Rubbers planted outside and those 

 kept in pots there is quite a difiference in the quality of 

 growth. Those given unlimited root room in the open lot 

 have a somewhat succulent growth with the leaves far apart, 

 and altogether not in the best condition for purposes of propagation. 

 These may merely be notched below every second leaf previous to 

 inserting in the sand bed later on. Plants growing in pots or tubs 

 have much firmer growth, well ripened, with the leaves quite close 

 together; very suitable for providing tops which may be rooted 

 in large pieces and make salable plants in a short time. To go about 

 this operation successfully make preparations during the first half 

 of August by tying the growths to supports. Those which answer 

 the purpose best are pieces of wire stakes tied along the stem, then 

 at the point where it is desired to root the pieces remove just 

 enough of the leaves and make an incision in the stem upward 

 toward the growing point. Insert a little sphagnum moss, wait a 

 day or so, remove the moss; bathe with warm water to remove the 

 congealed sap, which, if left, wiU hinder a complete caUusing of the 

 cut part. Insert fresh moss and tie a handful over the incision; 

 keep moist until the roots are showing through. The pieces should 

 then be cut off, put in small pots and placed in a close structure for 

 a few days until the roots begin to take with the soil. Syringe only 

 during that period. This is a very important point. After potting 

 either mossed shoots or cuttings (if the soil is in a good working 

 condition; that is, neither too wet nor dry) absolutely no water 

 should be given for a day or two; the atmosphere kept moist, and an 

 occasional syringing wiU be all that is necessary. 



Cuttings root poorly sometimes, and there are several causes. 

 Single-eye pieces are dibbled in an open bed with the leaf pierced 

 by a stick to keep it in an upright position. During the process 

 of rooting the cutting is nourished to a large extent by the moisture 

 taken in by the under part of the leaf; that is, when it hes flat on 

 the sand, which it should do. They wiU in this position root quicker 

 and better. Another cause of frequent failure is in taking the cut- 

 tings at the wrong time. The plants have a period of rest and a 

 period of growth. When a shoot is in the process of developing a 

 leaf rooting should not be attempted; better wait till every part 

 is ripened, then rooting is an easy matter. In potting off do not 

 allow the roots to get beyond an inch in length while in the bed. 

 They sustain injury easily when coming in contact with anything. 

 In lifting from the bed place the cuttings in a box with the rooted 

 ends resting on one side of the box, and not too many of them to- 



