J n. 1907. J 37 Horticulture. 



many] of those mysterious failures which puzzle the amateur, and in all cases the 

 effects) cannot be other than debilitating. An apology would be necessary for 

 introducing so simple a matter were it not for the fact that the trouble is often 

 a very real one to our amateur gardening friends, whilst young professionals are 

 net always guiltless of the practice. 



The formation of roots by cutting of the wood, or by leaves, although con- 

 sidered a very commonplace affair by the intelligent propagator, is one well worthy 

 of a little study, for there is much difference in the behaviour of various species 

 under the operation, and close observation will hardly fail to detect some reasons 

 for success or failure. Needless to say, there is, and will probably remain, some 

 things fraught with mystery environing our subject which rather add to than 

 detract from the charm surrounding it. Plants, like animals, are apt to exhibit 

 tendencies of recurrence to an original state with which they are no longer directly 

 concerned, hence it requires but a little deficiency, may be, of moisture in the 

 Vine border, with an excess of it in the atmosphere, to induce the Vine to emit 

 roots not only at every joint, but in some cases the whole length of the rod, thus 

 reverting to that state of nature in which the Vine, as a prostrate or semi-prostrate 

 rambler, sought hold of the soil at each point of contact with it. 



Some phases of root behaviour, however, are less easily accounted for. 

 Twenty years ago a plant of Monstera deliciosa growing midway on the back wall 

 of a tropical house sent its aerial roots entirely in the one direction, viz., towards 

 a tank attached to the same wall some 10 feet away, and eventually not only 

 reached it, but cleverly turned its thong-like feeders down into the water. As a 

 humid atmosphere was constantly maintained in the house, as well as the back 

 wall being syringed twice daily, it was as inexplicable then as it is now.— 

 Journal of Horticulture- 



