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THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



primulas, saxifragas, violets, and a few other kinds, can also be increased in a more 

 or less satisfactory manner by dividing in May or June or at the times stated in 

 the references to each. Dividing is, perhaps, the simplest method of propagation, 

 but the neatest, the most readily transplanted and eventually the best plants, are 

 those raised either from cuttings (see Fig 96, /), or in some cases from seed. As 

 previously intimated, large old plants, or those that are suitable for dividing, are 

 as a rule in the best condition for this method of propagation when first moved out 

 of the bed or borders. Especially is this so when the late spring months have been 

 comparatively hot and dry. Sinking them deeply in fresh rich soil, taking care to 

 spread out the stems clear of each other, and keeping them constantly moist for two 



Fig. 95. Eeeoes in Practice. 

 a, Cutting not inserted deep enough ; b, result ; c, slip badly planted ; d, result. 



or three weeks, induces the stem to emit roots freely, and when this has taken place, 

 the plants may be lifted and pulled in pieces. 



Every division well furnished with roots, much as shown in Fig. 88, c (page 184), 

 may be planted quite in the open or clear of the walls or hedges, while those with few 

 or no roots attached should either be shortened, made into cuttings and dibbled in 

 hand-lights, or retained their full length and properly inserted in a well-prepared border. 

 Bootless divisions disposed quite in the open would largely fail, and so they will when 

 shaded, unless properly inserted. We repeat that it does not suffice that they be lightly 

 stuck in the ground after the manner indicated in Fig. 95, but should be sunk in deeply, 

 or fully up to the leaves, as shown at e in Fig. 96, and firmly fixed to their full 

 depth. When not planted sufficiently deep, many will fail to grow. In the illustrations 

 of the right and wrong methods of increasing plants the examples are drawn from life. 



