20 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



long, throw them away, as the first shoots are usually hollow, and rarely emit roots. 

 When the second shoots are about four inches long, take them off with a sharp knife, 

 taking care not to injure the cluster of buds at the base. Cuttings about the thick- 

 ness of a slate pencil root the best. Many persons think that only thick cuttings 

 make good plants. This is quite a mistake, as they are often hollow. Thin, solid 

 cuttings root far more quickly, and make the most satisfactory plants, see Fig. 7. 



Prepare some 3|-inch pots, which fill with sweet soil, and surface with sharp sand ; 

 sever the cuttings close under a joint, then with a dibble insert them round the sides of 

 the pot, taking care that the base of the cuttings rests on the soil, and make them firm, 

 especially at the base. "Write the name of each variety on a label as the cuttings 

 are taken from the plant. A pot will hold half-a-dozen 

 cuttings. As soon as they are inserted give a good 

 watering and plunge the pots in bottom heat of 70 to 75 

 degrees. Shade immediately to prevent the leaves 

 drooping, and in from fourteen to twenty-one days they 

 will be transformed into plants supported by roots. They 

 must then be gradually inured to endure the full sun, to 

 harden them ready for dividing carefully and placing 

 singly in 3 -inch pots. Avoid a close atmosphere for 

 the cuttings, always leaving, if possible, a little air on the 

 house or frame. The secret of success rests in a warm 

 bottom, cool top, and good shading. 



If only a few plants are required, the cuttings may 

 be taken off with a heel on them ; this is wasteful, but 

 they make roots quicker, and are more sure of having good eyes to start from the next 

 season ; those cut below a joint, and four inches long, will root freely, and make satis- 

 factory plants. 



If still fewer plants suffice, and there may not be suitable means for striking 

 cuttings, split up the old roots, when started into growth, and place the divisions 

 (Fig. 8) singly in 4|-inch pots, shortening any tubers that are too large for the pot, 

 place them in a warm frame or house, and gradually harden off. Planting several 

 tubers together results in crowded growths and indifferent blooms. Plants from cuttings 

 are the best for producing exhibition blooms. 



After the cuttings have been rooted a week they will be ready for placing singly 



Divided Dahlia Thiers. 

 (Growing.) 



