283 PEOPAGATION OF PLANTS. 



flowers of P. txironarius smell somewhat like Orange flowers. All readily 

 propagated by cuttings, layers and suckers. 



Phillyrea. — Ornamental evergreen shrubs of the Olive FamUy, 

 natives of Southern Europe and the East Indies. Flowers smaU, white 

 and inconspicuous. These shrubs are esteemed for their deep, rich green 

 foliage. Propagated by cuttings and layers. 



Photinia, — Evergreen shrubs of sub-tropical countries belonging to 

 the Kose FamUy. One species is extensively cultivated in warm climates 

 nnder the name of Loquat tree {Erioboirya Japonica of nurserymen's cata- 

 logues), as it bears a yellow edible fruit, resembling small apples. This, 

 and several other species are old inhabitants of our greenhouses. Prop- 

 agated by cuttings of the ripened wood, and by budding and grafting on 

 the Quince and Hawthorn. 



Pinekneya (Georgia Bark). — ^A small evergreen tree of the Southern 

 States, closely allied to the Cinclmna, and the bark is supposed to con- 

 tain the same or similar principles ; hence, the common name of the 

 native species, P. pubens. Propagated by seeds and cuttings under glass, 

 but must be well supplied with moisture. 



Pirvus (Pine Tree). — ^An extensive genus of evergreen coniferous 

 trees and shrubs. Many of the species, and some of the most valuable, 

 thrive in soils unfit for agricultural purposes, it being either too light 

 and dry and thin, or too cold and wet. Pine barrens and Piney swamps 

 are, as a rule, the home of this genus throughout the world, although, 

 upon the whole, it is one of the most useful to mankmd. Propagated 

 by seed sown in spring in a half-shady position. The seed should be cov- 

 ered lightly with sandy soil and kept moist until the plants appear, 

 when these must be shaded from the direct rays of the sun, and given 

 water only sufficient to prevent wilting and drooping. The shading 

 should be continued during the entire first season, either with lath 

 screens, as shown elsewhere, or with branches thrown over the seed bed. 

 Varieties are propagated by veneer grafting under glass in August. (See 

 Chapter XVII.) 



Plrus (Apple, Pear, Etc.)— A very important genus of the Eosacece or 

 Rose Family. The common Pear (P. commwnis) and Apple (P. Mahis), 

 are the most valuable fruits raised in cool climates. The common Quince 

 ( Oydonia wlgaris) is so closely allied to the Pear thai, it is used as a stock 

 for many varieties. The same may be said of the Hawthorn ( Cratcegus); 

 although belonging, botanically, to a different genus, they are sometimes 

 employed as stocks for both the Pear and the Apple ; but, as I have said 

 in Chapter XVm., on Selecting Stocks, it is always best to employ stocks 

 as near related to the kind being propagated as possible. In propagat- 

 ing the Pear, the seed should be washed from the ripe fruit, or pomace, 

 while fresh, and before decay has proceeded so far as to have softened 

 the thin shell enclosing the cotyledons or seed proper. It may then be 

 spread out in the shade and dried sufficiently to prevent it from becom- 

 ing moldy or heating when stored in boxes or bags. Pear seed is usual^ 



