36 THE RHODODENDRON. 



the parts, and the grafts may then be separated from 

 the parent plant. 



They should be cut off close to the graft, and the 

 head of the stock also removed. InarcHng is some- 

 times called approach grafting, and is a very sure 

 mode of propagation. 



The best time for this operation is from January 

 to April, or in smnmer: when performed in the 

 house, the stocks should be well established in 

 pots. 



SEED. 



By this mode innumerable varieties are raised, 

 and thus all of the fine hybrids now in cultivation 

 have been produced. 



The seeds, which like those of most of the Eri- 

 caceae, are small and fine, should be sown soon 

 after ripening. They retain their vitality about a 

 year ; but the sooner they are sown the more certain 

 is their germination. 



The soil should be very fijie peat and silver sand, 

 in shallow boxes or pans : it should be made very 

 fine and moist, the seed be thinly sprinkled on the 

 surface, and just enough soil to cover it be sifted 

 over the pan. The soil should be kept at a uniform 

 rate of moisture, and be shaded from the direct rays 

 of the sun and from frost. A close, cool frame is the 

 best place. The time of germinating varies much 

 with the season of planting, from a few weeks to six 

 months. The seedlings are at first very small, and 

 should be allowed to remain in the seed-pans imtil 



