64 



Cuttings of the Stem. — All pine apples may be 

 propagated in this mode, as a bnd is formed in the 

 axil of almost every leaf, and in the caje of the Provi- 

 dence and other pines, which are shy producers of 

 suckers, it is a mode of propagation often necessarily 

 practised. 



For the following directions we are indebted to Mr. 

 Mills :— 



Divest the stem of all its leaves, then cut it hori- 

 zontally into lengths of two or three inches, according 

 as the buds are situated ; then split each length 

 longitudinally down its centre, taking care not to 

 injure the embryc plants in the operation ; this done, 

 let pots be filled to within two or three inches of 

 their rims with soil well drained, and on this each 

 piece is to be placed on its flat surface, with its buds 

 upwards. The whole surface of the soil may be 

 closely planted in this manner, and then let the slips 

 be covered about one inch deep with heath soil, and 

 receive a gentle watering (they should be kept in a 

 moist state at all times) ; then the pots containing 

 them should be plunged into a heat of 100 degs. 

 Air will not be required until the plants show 

 themselves above ground, which will be in three or 

 four weeks, when they must have air as other plants. 

 Each piece of the old trunk so divided emits roots 

 freely, and the young plants also, when about two or 

 three inches above the ground. When well rooted, if 



