THE STOVE. 



21 



far the greater part will require this precaution, and may in 

 some cases remain unplanted for a week or more. Those of 

 this division of plants that make no side- shoots, like many of 

 the AloeSi and some other genera, generally send up suckers 

 from the roots, these should be taken off carefully, and when 

 dried a day or two, planted at once into pots corresponding 

 to them in size, &c. ; others send out offsets fi'om their trunk 

 or branches, which should be gently rubbed off, and treated 

 like suckers; some of them are, however, so short, as to admit 

 of no part being inserted in the ground ; but such is the fa- 

 cihty with which most of such plants reproduce themselves, 

 that if they be only laid on the surface of the mould, and 

 slightly fastened down, so as to prevent them falling off, they 

 will emit roots, and soon fix themselves in the mould. 



In regard to the management of tropical cuttings, while 

 forming their roots, much attention is required. A steady 

 brisk heat must be kept up, and attention paid to shading, 

 watering, &c. On this part of their culture, Gushing makes 

 the following observation : — " They will now require the most 

 particular attention as to watering and shading. The water 

 must be given twice or thrice, very moderately, until the earth 

 becomes sufficiently moist, which, if once so, will retain the 

 moisture for a length of time by being covered with the glass ; 

 but the shading is the principal care, whenever the sun's rays 

 fall on the glasses, as nothing will create rottenness sooner 

 than letting the leaves flag, and lie upon each other, which 

 will be the positive consequence of a want of shade. The 

 most advisable method to obtain this end, is to have a few 

 large sheets of strong paper to lay over the glasses within a 

 frame, which, at the same time it shades the cuttings, docs not 

 prevent the sun's rays from entering the frame, and clearing off 

 any damp that may be accumulated therein, whereas, if mats 

 be laid on the outside of the frame-light, it is evident they will 

 lend to have the direct contrary effect. However, in the course 

 of a week or a fortnight they will be able to withstand a little 

 of the rays of the morning and evening sun," and should after- 

 wards be gradually accustomed to it until they can stand it 

 with safety. 



