THE HANDLING OF THE PLANTS 121 
the main veins cut; then the leaf is weighted down with pebbles 
or pegs so that these cut surfaces come into intimate contact 
with the soil beneath. The usual 
way, however, is to cut a triangular 
piece of the leaf (Fig. 125) and 
insert the tip in sand. So long 
as the cutting is alive, do not 
be discouraged, even if it do not 
start. 
General treatment of cuttings. 
In the growing of all greenwood 
and leaf-cuttings, it is well to remem- 
ber that they should have a gentle 
bottom heat; the soil should be 
such that it will hold moisture 
and yet not remain wet; the air 
about the tops should not become 
125. Leaf-cutting. 
close and stagnant, else the plants will damp off; and the tops 
should be shaded for a time. In order to control all the 
conditions, such cuttings are grown under 
126. Cuttings inserted 
in a double pot. 
pot set a 4-in. pot. 
cover, aS in a greenhouse, coldframe, or a 
box in the residence window. 
An excellent method of starting cut- 
tings in the living room is to make a double 
pot, as shown in Fig. 126. Inside a 6-in. 
Fill the bottom, a, with 
gravel or bits of brick, for drainage. Plug 
the hole in the inside pot. Fill the spaces 
between, c, with earth, and in this set the 
cuttings. Water may be poured into the inner pot, 6, to 
supply the moisture. 
