GElirERAL PEINCIPLES ANB METHODS. 135 



ing Nectarines is mentioned by Peter CoUinson, in 1741, 

 but they have been so frequent since that they have 

 ceased to be considered rare or strange. Similar bud 

 Tariations may be looked for among all of our cultivated 

 fruits, and the horticulturist should be constantly on 

 the alert for such freaks and endeavor to perpetuate those 

 likely to prove valuable. What is true in fruits is also 

 true among ornamental trees, shrubs and herbaceous 

 plants, and those who are seeking ne\v and valuable varie- 

 ties may often find them where least expected. 



CHAPTEE X. 

 GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND METHODS. 



The different modes of propagating plants may be 

 classed as follows : 



1. — Propagation by means of seeds and spores. 



2. — By cuttings of the stems, twigs and leaves, 



3. — By suckers and divisions. 



4. — By root cuttings. 



5. — By budding and grafting. 



All the known species and varieties of plants may b& 

 multiplied by one or another of these methods, and 

 some kinds can be readily propagated by each and every 

 one of them. But there are certain principles, which 

 serve as a guide to the propagator in the different modes 

 of operation, that it may be well to consider before pro- 

 ceeding to the more practical part of the subject. Al- 

 though, when the great diversity of characters as well as 

 the vitality of plants is considered, it cannot be expected 

 that any general rule can be given that will be applicable 

 to every case or be altogether faultless, yet for the pur- 

 pose of dispelling that mystery with which the novice 



