PROPAGATION OF TREES. 217 
side, generally of half the depth of the branch, and a slit 
run in the direction of the extremity of the limb of 
about the same length as the incision is in depth, or of 
such length as to allow of the easy upward turning of 
the layer, which is then to be doubly pinioned by an ad- 
ditional peg, driven so as to keep the limb in an upright 
position, to which it is to be lashed by means of bark 
bands, or other convenient material, so as to prevent its 
being disturbed by wind or other cause. When the 
growth of the limb or branch which it is intended to lay- 
er is not within easy bending distance of the ground, re- 
course is had to a contrivance which conveys the soil to 
the requisite height, so as conveniently to insert the 
branch at a particular point, and it grows naturally. 
For this purpose most generally an earthenware pot or 
wooden box is used, which 
is so made as to allow of a 
division of about two inch- 
es to the extent of half its 
breadth or diameter, and 
to its full height, for the 
easy insertion of the branch 
toitscentre. On the branch 
being thus inserted, and the 
division closed by a piece 
of lath sufficiently wide to 
cover the opening or slit at 
the bottom and side, the 
pot is filled with earth, and 
so allowed to remain till 
the roots have formed upon ie 
the layer. It is, however, 
necessary that the outside of the pot or box be protected 
from the drying influence of the sun and wind, as too 
sudden or excessive evaporation necessitates frequent 
watering and, consequently, extra labor. 
The most fitting season for layering deciduous trees 
10 
