ON PLANT PROPAGATION. 



vogue, chiefly in the propagation of the Vine. The most 

 favourable time to operate is the spring or the end of summer, 

 when the sap is in steady 

 motion. If the scion has been 

 grown in a pot, it can easily 

 be fixed at any desired place, 

 as shown at Fig. 629. The 

 operation consists in removing 

 a small portion of bark from 

 both subjects, so that the two 

 opefted parts, when placed to- 

 gether, effect a junction ; a well- 

 fixed ligature is also necessary 

 for this. 



Herbaceous Grafting may 

 be divided into two distinct 

 classes, viz., herbaceous grafts 

 on roots or underground parts, 

 as in the propagation of 

 Clematis, Roses, Dahlias, &c., 

 and herbaceous grafts above 

 ground, by which a quantity 

 of CoiiifercB may be propagated. 

 Potatoes, Melons, Cucumbers, 

 Tomatoes, &c., may also be 

 grafted by this means. 



On Roots. — This method 

 is very useful for Clematis, Fig. 629.— Grafting by Approach. 

 Dahlias, and many other 



plants, but can only be performed with branches grown 

 and protected from the direct action of air. The roots, or 

 stocks, must be perfectly healthy and not too long. We may 

 mention as an example that this method is applied to Dahlias, 

 and to many exotics — as several Araliaeece and Coffea (Coffee 

 Tree), &c. It requires to be performed in a propagating-house, 

 and the best time for the operation is from January to May, 

 having previously started the plants selected to bear the scions. 

 As regards Dahlias, strong, vigorous roots from any free-growing 

 sort must be selected ; the top part should be cut horizontally, 

 and on one side an incision must be made crossways in the form 

 of a V- The herbaceous scion varies from 2in. to 3in. in length, 

 and is taken from the plants above-mentioned, and cut in 

 such a way as to exactly fill the V'^^^P^^ incision. If the 

 cuts are well performed, no ligature is required, grafting - wax 

 being sufficient. The grafted roots must be potted up or planted 

 in beds in a suitable compost, and kept under lights, thus 

 enabling them to unite and grow. An eye must always be 

 reserved on the outside portion, at the base of the scion, or graft. 



