Propagation 45 



earth. They will grow into splendid plants al- 

 most as soon as the others. 



In separating the eyes and tubers, select the 

 most promising tuber first. With the point of 

 the knife make small incisions all around the 

 knuckle containing the eye, gradually working 

 underneath and gently lifting out the whole. 

 After one tuber has been cut, those following are 

 more easily removed. 



Should a tuber be unusually large, cut it down 

 at least one half before planting, or it will grow 

 poorly and be slow in developing new tubers. 



I have said what can be done if two eyes are 

 to be found in a knuckle. A thick-necked tuber 

 can also be divided into three parts by an 

 expert if three eyes are to be found; but if more 

 than that should be in evidence, it is better to 

 plant the tuber, letting all eyes grow as already 

 described. 



I have even seen experts cut a single shoot in 

 two, splitting the tuber at the same time. Such 

 an operation is of doubtful value, however, as 

 the wounded shoot in healing becomes hardened, 

 and the circulation of sap is retarded. 



The average well-grown clump has from three 

 to ten eyes; and if there are tubers enough and 

 they are skillfully separated, at least as many 

 plants can be made. 



