BT CUTTIN-GS OF IMMATURE GBOWTHS. 



167 



plants. !N"ot only are the BryopTiyllums, Begonias, Ges- 

 nerias, and many other kinds of closely allied plants, 

 propagated by cuttings of their leaves, but among the 

 succulent Cactuses, Stapelias, Echeverias and Cacalias, 

 either their leares, or leaf-like stems, are generally em- 

 ployed in multiplying the various species and varieties in 

 cultivation. 



/Siting the Cuttiitgs. — The depth and distance 



apart at -which cuttings should be set must necessarily 



vary according to their length and thickness, but, as a 



rule, one-half theJir entire length should be covered when 



V-^get in a position for growth,-—/' 



The more usaal lengths for green cuttings are from 

 two to four inches ; consequently, the 

 sand in the boxes need not be of 

 greater depth than to give room for 

 the production of roots, and insure 

 the retention of sufficient amount of 

 moisture around the base of the cut- 

 ting. If the sand in the boxes is 

 made rather moist, a sharp or pointed 

 stick, or dibber, may be employed for 

 making the small holes in it for the 

 reception of the cuttings, but where 

 the cuttings are small, and a large 

 number are to be set, a pane of glass 

 is a better implement, for by pressing 

 one edge down into the sand, a 

 straight, narrow trench is quickly 

 made across the box, and into this the pieok of begonia leap, 



, . . ,, , USED AS A OtJTTING. 



cuttmgs may be set very rapidly, and 

 at any distance apart desired. When a row has been set, 

 the glass may be inserted near it, and with a slight side 

 movement the sand pressed firmly against the cuttings, 

 or the sand, or other material, may be pressed down 

 around each cutting, separately, with the fingers or the 



Fip. 61. 



