294 GEBEKHOUSB MANAGEMENT. 



While a soft, watery growth is not desirable, cut- 

 tings cannot, as a rule, be induced to root readily after 

 they become woody, and the usual test is to reject all 

 cuttings that when bent do not snap off, rather than 

 crush down without breaking, the latter behavior indi- 

 cating that the fibro-vascular 'bundles (woody fibers), 

 have formed (Fig. 96). Cuttings made from stems in 

 that condition root slowly and sparingly, and the plants 

 will be weaker than when made from those in the 

 proper condition. For a few plants like the rose, a 

 firmer condition of the wood is desirable. 



Soft cuttings should have a bud at the top, and from 

 one to three inches of stem. Unless a cutting can be 

 made three inches long and have its base in proper con- 

 dition, it will be better to shorten it to one inch, and, if 

 necessary, the length may be even 

 less, its stem being principally of 

 Talue to give a secure hold in the 

 cutting bed. Cuttings of this kind 

 should have at least one leaf, and 

 sometimes from two to four are 

 left. Those at the lower part of 

 the stem should be removed, and 

 KG. 97. SOFT CUTTING ^^^ o^^^rs shortcncd in (Fig. 97). 

 OP C0LEU8. In this way the amount of evapo- 



ration will be checked and the cuttings can be placed 

 nearer together. Cuttings should be so handled tliat 

 they will not wilt. It is well to use a sharp knife, and 

 to cut ofE the stem at nearly right angles. !N"either, 

 however, is really necessary, and in many cases the cut- 

 tings can be broken off without the use of a knife. If in 

 the proper condition, most cuttings will root readily from 

 any part of the stem, but with others that root with diffi- 

 culty, and especially if they have become too hard, it will 

 be well to have a bud near the base of the cuttings, as 

 roots are most readily sent out from near the nodes. 



