23 



CHAPTER, IV. 



PROPAGATION. 



The great facility with which the Olive tree can b e 

 propagated is not the least of its good qualifications. In 

 fact yon may choose, among almost every conceivable 

 method by which plants are increased, the way that 

 takes your fancy or suits your requirements best. This 

 phase of the subject is well illustrated by the origin 

 attributed to a plantation in Morocco, where the arrange- 

 ment of the trees was observed by a traveller to be some- 

 what whimsical. It was said that these trees sprung 

 from the pegs used by a squadron of cavalry, accom- 

 panying the Emperor on a journey, for picketing their 

 horses ; and that, being left in the ground, they took root, 

 and were afterwards utilised as a plantation. Whether 

 this story be true or not, there is no doubt that cuttings 

 of the Olive root with the greatest freedom. If intended 

 for a nursery, and the soil is not naturally sandy, some 

 sand may, with advantage, be put along the spade cut 

 as you stick your cuttings in. Eor this purpose they 

 need not be more than from eight to twelve inches long, 

 should be neatly trimmed with a sharp knife, so as not 

 to bruise the bark, and only one good bud left above 

 ground. The cuttings may be either from the branches 

 or roots. Root cuttings are best planted entirely under 

 ground ; but there is no special advantage in taking 

 cuttings from the root, and the practice is not advised 

 unless you are removing or thinning out your trees, or 

 are at a loss for material from which to raise a large 

 nursery stock of any particular variety. Of course a 

 tree reproducing itself so readily from cuttings will grow 

 from layers ; but in adopting this method of increase, it 

 must be remembered that the form and general well- 

 being of the tree, branches of which are laid, are pre- 



