3 



GUIDE TO THE CONSERVATORY. 



PROPAGATION BY CUTTINGS. 



To ensure success in this operation, it is neces- 

 sary that the cuttings be plunged in a gentle bottom 

 heat, having also a moist atmosphere in the house 

 or frame ; but once a day the moisture should be 

 removed and a dry one substituted, for the purpose 

 of carrying off the damp, otherwise many of the 

 cuttings will be liable to damp off. This change of 

 atmosphere is easily effected by giving air early in 

 the morning to the house, or by drawing off the 

 lights of the frames for a short time in mild days. 

 The morning is the best time, previous to the sun 

 coming direct upon the cuttings. The more deli- 

 cate varieties of greenhouse plants will require a 

 bell glass ; also several of the sub-shrubby and 

 shrubby stove plants, whilst the more succulent 

 ones will succeed better without it. When glasses 

 are used, let them be wiped with a dry cloth every 

 day. Heaths require to be put in when the wood 

 is firm but not ripe or hard wooded, but in such a 

 condition that when pressed gently between the 

 fingers they receive no injury. All cuttings should 

 have a certain number of the lower leaves removed, 

 which must be done with a sharp knife, and cut be- 

 low the joint. Provide a number of pots filled one 

 half with potsherds, or any other drainage ; upon 

 this lay a piece of turf, or the rough part of the 

 soil which you use to prevent the top soil passing 

 through. Some cuttings of a delicate kind re- 



