282 



CUTTINGS FEOM KOOTS. 



similar propagation are also successful, because the part called 

 a root is, in reality, an underground stem covered with the 

 rudiments of leaves, to each of which an eye belongs. The 

 Eose, the Lilac, and many other plants have subterranean 

 stems, cuttings of which will therefore answer the purpose of 

 propagation. It also occasionally happens, that, owing to 

 unknown causes, morsels of the true root will generate what 

 are called adventitious buds ; and hence we do occasionally see 

 the root employed for, propagation, as in Cydonia japonica. 

 Anemone japonica, &c., but these are exceptional cases, and do 

 not affect the general rule. 



Since, however, there are many such eases, the propagator will do 

 ■well to try roots whenever a plant refuses to strike hy ordinary 

 methods. Where unexpected difficulty is found to exist, the best way 

 of proceeding is to place the cuttings of roots on damp sand, pressed 

 half way into it, covered close with a beU-glass, exposed to moderate 

 light, and kept at a temperature of from 60° to 65°. There is every 

 reason to believe that moderate light contributes greatly to the excite- 

 ment of vital action, and consequently to the formation of buds. 



Monsieur Neumann in his very useful treatise on propagation gives 

 several examples of root-striking, from among which the following may 

 be selected. Dais cotinifoUa propagates readily by its roots cut into 



Fig. Xli, — Root-cuttings of Paulownia imperialia, 



pieces and laid on earth in a hothouse, although its branches stiike 

 most unwillingly. In like manlier, in. the case of Panlowniaimperialis, 

 portions of the roots from J to j of an inch in diameter, and from 1 to 

 21 inch long, root weU. The month of March is the most favourable 

 time for striking these cuttings ; for in February they often rot. The 



