122 



BEGINNERS' BOTANY 



potato (Fig. 60). Pupils sliould malce cuttings now and 

 then. If they can do nothing more, they can make cut- 

 tings of potato, as the farmer does; and they can plant 

 them in a box in the window. 



The Softwood Cutting. — The softwood cutting is made 

 from tissue that is still growing, or at least from that 

 which is not dormant. It comprises one or two joints, with 



Fig. 158. — Geranium Cutting. 



Fig. 159. —Rose Cutting. 



a leaf attached (Figs. 158, 159). It must not be allowed 

 to wilt. Therefore, it must be protected from direct sun- 

 light and dry air until it is well established ; and if it has 

 many leaves, some of them should be removed, or at least cut 

 in two, in order to reduce the evaporating surface. The 

 soil should be uniformly moist. The pictures show the 

 depth to which the cuttings are planted. 



For most plants, the proper age or maturity of wood for 

 the making of cuttings may be determined by giving the 

 twig a quick bend: if it snaps and hangs by the bark, it is in 

 proper condition; if it bends witliout breaking, it is too 

 young and soft or too old ; if it splinters, it is too old and 

 woody. The tips of strong upright shoots usually make 

 the best cuttings. Preferably, each cutting should have a 

 joint or node near its base; and if the internodes are very 

 short it may comprise two or three joints. 



