155 



Plant 8,000 roots to the acre. A 4-foot passageway should be left in 

 every block of 2 acres or so : 



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Texas method of setting Ramie roots. 

 Reference has been made to layering. This is usually resorted to 

 when a supply of roots is difficult to be obtained, and it is desired to re- 

 produce plants as rapidly as possible. It is always practised in connec- 

 tion with established plantations. In California layering is practised 

 as follows : 



The roots are planted in the first year for the special purpose of propagation, 3 

 or 4 feet apart, set slantingly, 2 or 3 inches of earth covering the tops. Careful 

 cultivation is given, the ground being kept clean and loose. When the first stalks 

 have attained the height of about 3 feet they are ready for layering. The ground 

 should then be thoroughly moistened and the stalks bent gently down, fastened 

 with small crotchets, and covered with 3 or 4 inches of earth, leaving the top of 

 the layered branch uncovered. Care should be taken to avoid detaching the stalks 

 from the parent root. In the course of three or four weeks the layers will have 

 made stalks which can again be layered for the same purpose, and quite a number 

 of plants can be dug out for transplanting in order to increase the plantation. 



It is also suggested to plant cuttings. These are prepared by dividing 

 the stalk into lengths of 5 to 6 inches. They are set out obliquely, and 

 nearly covered, and if the work is done before hot weather begins they 

 will require neither watering nor shading, but must be kept clean of 

 weeds. In two weeks they may be transplanted. 



In time the entire space between rows will have become so filled with 

 roots that replanting will be necessary. Some have advocated the plow- 



