PREPARING SOIL AND PROPAGATING 35 



limited amount of bottom heat, and 

 the chrysanthemum is not an exception. 

 It should be very slight, however, 60 

 degrees being the highest temperature 

 allowable. 



Cuttings in small quantities may be rooted 

 readily in boxes, seed pans, or flower pots. 

 I have made an excellent propagating frame 

 from a large box about ten inches deep, 

 with openings in the bottom for drainage, 

 covering it with moss and putting in three 

 inches of sand. When the cuttings were 

 inserted the box was covered with glass, 

 which could be removed entirely or raised 

 for ventilation, as required. For propa- 

 gating after April ist, the coolest position 

 that is available should be chosen and some 

 means used to protect the cuttings as far 

 as possible from direct draughts of air, 

 which must necessarily be admitted at this 

 season. The outside temperature is very 

 much higher at this time, the sunlight 

 strong, and the cuttings are likely to suffer 

 from too rapid evaporation of the moisture 

 which they contain, and which they have 

 practically no means of obtaining until 

 roots are formed. Such conditions tend to 



