162 



PRACTICE OF GAEDZyiXG. 



are considered worthy of preservation should be marked, 

 and the single or worthless ones at once thrown away. 



Old and established sorts may either be propagated 

 by division of the roots, or by cuttings. The method of 

 multiplying them, by dividing the roots, is the easiest 

 and most simple : but those plants which have been 

 raised fi^om cuttings generally flower best. Both are 

 performed in the spring, and at the time the plants com- 

 mence growing ; but they are, of course, conducted in a 

 different manner. In the latter end of April, or the 

 beginning of May, the roots should be taken from their 

 winter quarters, and having carefully examined them to 

 see that the eyes or crowns are sound, they should be 

 planted in a warm border with a south aspect, and in a 

 very light loose soil, such as leaf-soil or old bark. The 

 crowns should be buried about an inch beneath the 

 surface of the soil, and if any frost occurs, a little dry 

 straw or litter should be thrown over tliem during tlie 

 night. "When the shoots have grown about an inch 

 above the surface of the soil, if the roots are to be divided, 

 they should be taken from the soil, and separated into 

 as many pieces as there are shoots, provided that a good 

 tuber can be obtained to each plant. The divisions may 

 then be planted separately in the border, where they are 

 required to flower, and when they are sufficiently esta- 

 blished, all the shoots should be removed but one, that 

 is, if there happen to be more than one. and the plants 

 may be protected in the same manner as directed for 

 seedlings, if any frosts occur. If. however, the plants are 

 intended to be pror abated by cuttings, (which is the best, 

 though not the safest method.) as soon as the shoots 

 have attained the height of two inches above the ground, 

 the soil should be carefully removed down to the crown 

 of the roots, and the young shoots taken off with a kmfe, 

 along with a small portion of the crown of the plant. 

 They should then be immediately potted singly into 

 small pots, in a light loamy soil, and taken to the window 

 of a dwelling-room; a little water should be given them 

 at the time of pottmg, and also afterwards, when required; 

 and they should not be exposed to the rays of the sun 

 till after they* have been potted a week, and then only by 



