AZALEAS— PROPA GA TING. 



number of the best azaleas for all purposes. The old A. indica alba, A. i. phoenicia, and 

 other strong growers are well adapted for stocks, and these may either be obtained from 

 seed or from cuttings. The stocks are ready for grafting when about 6 inches high and 

 have been for some time established in small pots. The stems, also the young growths 

 to be attached to them, ought to bo moderately firm at the time of the operation. 



The process consists in removing the leaves and shaving off a portion of the bark 

 from the stock and scion where they are to be joined together. This should be done 

 neatly, the barks fitting together at one side at least, binding somewhat tightly with 



Fig. 12. Azalea Cutting fob Fig-. 73. Azalea Cuttings insebted. 



Insebtion. References : — 6, sand ; c, sandy peat ; d, drainage. 



worsted as shown in Fig. 74 (next page). Keep the worked plants in a close, 

 moist heat of 65°, guarding particularly against exposing them to strong sunshine and 

 currents of dry air. When the union is nearly perfect, and before the worsted cuts 

 into the bark, remove it and tie afresh, only less tightly. When the union is complete, 

 neatly cut away the upper portion of the stock, and soon after top the scion — the part 

 attached — to form the future plant. 



The result of topping is seen in Fig. 75. The removal of the top at h has given rise 

 to four branches, and topping these in turn after they have made three or four leaves 

 results in other growths, as foreshadowed in the figure. The ends of the shoots should 



