THE HANDLING OF THE PLANTS 



the main veins cut; then the leaf is weighted down with pebbles 

 or pegs so that these cut surfaces come into intimate contact 

 with the soil beneath. The usual 

 way, however, is to cut a triangular 

 piece of the leaf (Fig. 125) and 

 insert the tip in sand. So long 

 as the cutting is alive, do not 

 be discouraged, even if it do not 

 start. 



125. Leaf-cuttinj 



General treatment of cuttings. 



In the growing of all greenwood 

 and leaf-cuttings, it is well to remem- 

 ber that they should have a gentle 

 bottom heat; the soil should be 

 such that it will hold moisture 

 and yet not remain wet; the air 

 about the tops should not become 

 close and stagnant, else the plants will damp off ; and the tops 

 should be shaded for a time. In order to control all the 

 conditions, such cuttings are grown under 

 cover, as in a greenhouse, coldframe, or a 

 box in the residence window. 



An excellent method of starting cut- 

 tings in the living room is to make a double 

 pot, as shown in Fig. 126. Inside a 6-in. 

 pot set a 4-in. pot. Fill the bottom, a, with 

 gravel or bits of brick, for drainage. Plug 

 the hole in the inside pot. Fill the spaces 

 between, c, with earth, and in this set the 

 may be poured into the inner pot, h, to 



126. Cuttings inserted 

 in a double pot. 



cuttings. Water 

 supply the moisture. 



