PBOPAGATIOK BT CXJTTIKGS. 153 



shown, and two to six inches apart — according to the 

 size and kind of cutting planted — and the upper end an 

 inch or two above the surface of the soil Draw in a 

 little soil and press it down firmly with the foot, or with 

 a pounder made from a piece of two-inch plank, shown 

 in figure 52. After the soil has been packed firmly about 

 the base of the cutting, the trench may be filled up level 

 with the surrounding surface. With many kinds of 

 plants the packing or firming of the soil around the lower 

 end of the cuttings is a very essential point, and often 

 the whole secret of success. This is particularly so with 

 those kinds that pro- 

 duce roots mainly from 

 the lower end, where 

 the wood is exposed to 

 the soil. It is true Fig. bs.-pootdee. 



that cuttings of some kinds of trees and shrubs wiU grow 

 readily if merely thrust into the ground, almost any- 

 where, and at any season ; but to raise such plants re- 

 quires neither experience nor skill ; consequently they 

 only call for a passing notice. 



The distance between the rows of cuttings will depend 

 entirely upon the manner in which they are to be culti- 

 vated. If a cultivator or plow is to be used, then the 

 rows should be two and a half or three feet apart ; but if 

 to be cultivated entirely with the hoe, one and a half to 

 two feet wide will be sufficient. In some soils and cli- 

 mates, the plants raised from cuttings may be left in the 

 ground where grovm until the following spring, and then 

 transplanted ; but in cold climates it is best to take them 

 up in the fall, and store them in some convenient, safe 

 place during the winter. 



In making and planting cuttings of the ripe or dormant 

 wood of evergreen plants, the same general plan should 

 be pursued as with deciduous plants, except that the cut- 

 tings are not usually made as long, and they must not be 



