AMERICAN HOME GARDEN. 439 



than upright ones. When phxnted in pots, they should be 

 placed around the inside of the pot, and in contact with it, in 

 which position tlicy root more certainly. 



All cuttings take root more promptly and freely if so arranged 

 that the soil in which they are planted becomes warm, which 

 is effected by placing the bed over a flue, or by preparing a hot 

 bed for the purpose. If, therefore, a green-house is built and 

 heated as shown page 475, a bed for cuttings may be made 

 immediately above the boiler, so arranged as that the steam 

 will pass under its whole length. 



Very fleshy cuttings, as the strong-growing scarlet Gerani- 

 ums, the Cacti, and some others, are benefited by having their 

 cut parts dried a little before planting. They are akin to air- 

 plants, and may be left sometimes for weeks upon the siu-fa«e, 

 and still live. These should never be covered closely, but the 

 harder and more woody cuttings, particularly those having fine 

 foliage, as the Fabiana, the Myrtle, &c.,are greatly benefited by 

 covering them with glass, to prevent rapid evaporation, lifting 

 the cover occasionally so as to afford air, and, if mouldiness be 

 indicated upon the cuttings, tilt or raise it at the edge, that 

 they may have a constant supply. All plant cuttings should 

 be potted singly as soon as the young roots are well formed ; 

 if this is neglected, they must be carefully trimmed at potting, 

 as directed for larger trees. Shade and warmth, and careful 

 watering for a few days after removal, until they fairly re- 

 start, will be found essential to all cuttings or plants. 



BY LAYEEING. 



Almost all ornamental shrubs, &c., may be increased by lay- 

 ers, as noted under each. In general, the layering is performed 

 as directed page 199, but there are some to which peculiar 

 modes are applicable, as Chinese layering, American span lay- 

 ering, &c. 



These latter processes are of comparatively recent use with 

 us, and have but a limited range of adaptation. All veiy free- 

 rooting varieties, whether ranners or otherwise, may be in- 

 creased by the Chinese mode ; but American span layering is 

 adapted only to luxuriant rmmers, as grape-vines, Wistaria, &c. 



