AMERICAN 
January, 1911 
HOMES AND GARDENS 39 
Fig. I 
Fig. 1—Strips of the bark should be cut off the lower part of the stem. 
should be cut off like this. 
successfully practised is during the months of January and 
February. Strange as it may seem the buds always expand 
more readily if they have been subjected to a week or two 
of frost, so during a spell of severe weather is a good time 
to secure the boughs. It is, of course a matter of impor- 
tance to be able to select the boughs of the trees which are 
well budded for blossom. Mostly the flower buds will be 
fatter than those producing only foilage. Another dis- 
tinguishing feature is illustrated in an accompanying photo- 
graph showing two pieces of ornamental plum. ‘The spray 
which would throw a goodly show of flowers is that bearing 
the large buds on the short shoots. This method of judg- 
ing a branch is one well known to fruit growers. 
In cutting the branches from the trees it is a matter of 
some importance to make a clean severance, seeing that 
torn or ragged fractures prevent a free development on the 
part of the twigs. The most shapely branches should be 
selected and all along it should be borne in mind that the 
sprays are to be used in vases for decorative purposes. In 
order to enable the boughs to absorb water as freely as pos- 
sible it is a good plan to remove some of the bark on the 
lower portion of the stem. This is best cut away with a sharp 
knife in alternate slices as is shown in the illustration. Now 
secure a number of large bowls into which some hot—not 
scalding—water has been poured. ‘Tie all the branches to 
be treated into bundles and place the ends of the boughs 
in the water, at once removing the whole thing to a dark 
cupboard. This immersion in hot water seems to have the 
curious tonic effect of stirring the sleeping buds so that when 
brought out into the light they will be able to commence 
Fig. 2 
Fig. 3 
Fig. 2—Before the branches are placed in water the lower 
part 
part 
Fig. 3—The branches should be placed in a sunny window. 
active growth. Of course the method is one often followed 
by florists when they wish to revive drooping flowers. 
It is just as well to leave the branches in the dark cup- 
board for twenty-four hours, although naturally the water 
will have become cold long before this interval has elapsed, 
but this does not matter. It is a question for the individual 
to decide whether the boughs shall be grown to perfection 
in the vases, or whether they shall only be placed in the 
ornamental receptacles after they have fully developed. 
Some people do not find the leafless branches inartistic, and 
these are of course soon adorned with expanding buds 
which give a delightful “spring” feeling to the apartment. 
Whichever course is adopted the boughs should be placed 
at once in pure water, which it is very necessary should be 
kept in a fresh condition. To this end it is not a bad plan to 
place a lump of charcoal in each vase or bowl, although this 
is not essential if the water is changed about every two days. 
It is now desirable that the branches should be placed in 
a fully light position, if possible in front of a window where 
they will get all the sunshine. The speed of growth will be 
entirely dependent upon the warmth of the room; if the tem- 
perature is high the buds will commence to swell very 
rapidly. Soon the expanding flowers and leaves will be 
plainly visible and at this stage dust is harmful to the young 
growth. If possible, the boughs should be protected when 
any sweeping is going on in the apartment, and in any case 
the shoots will be benefited if they are sprinkled occasionally 
with luke warm water. It should be pointed out in conclu- 
sion, however, that the directions emphasized in the forego- 
ing lines should be followed if the best results are desired. 
Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Fig. 7 
Fig. 4—It is important to learn to distinguish between flowering and leafing stems: The one with the short thick buds contains the 
flowers. Fig. 5—Branches of wild plum with plenty of flowers. Fig. 6—Wild cherry will come out beautifully in a few days in mid-winter 
Fig. 7—In the case of the wild plum the foliage will expand as well. 
