322 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
Magnolias may be propagated by layers, from seed, or by grafting. 
The first is naturally very satisfactory, but it is a slow process ; seeds 
can be depended upon with parvifiora, salicifolia, and some other 
true species ; grafting is very general, as stock may be obtained 
quickly in large quantities. At one time M. purpurea was used as 
a stock, but on it the plants became stunted in growth. On M. 
acuminata as a stock they are very satisfactory, as no suckers appear 
so far as my experience goes, and they succeed in almost any good 
deep soil. 
At our Exminster nurseries all the Magnolias succeed perfectly. 
The soil is naturally light, but there is a good depth, and with an 
admixture of peat the plants lift with good balls. At our Exeter 
nurseries, where the soil is heavy loam, most varieties succeed if a 
little peat be added, though M. Watsoni is apt to die back. 
There have been many views expressed as to the best time to 
transplant Magnolias. I would not be dogmatic, but I have des- 
patched plants from early autumn to spring with great success even 
with large bushes and standards 8 feet, lo feet, and up to 15 feet high. 
Of course, owing to regular transplanting, they have been lifted with 
large balls. I am more afraid to despatch long distances in late 
spring than at any other time. If still quite dormant or even with 
advanced flower-buds they may succeed, but I think not when the 
leaf-buds have begun to develop. 
M. grandiflora and other evergreen species should be grown in 
pots, and may be transplanted from them during many months of 
the year. It must, however, be remembered that these have large 
fleshy roots and need considerable attention after transplanting. 
One thing that many fail to do is to press the new soil firmly round 
the ball and give a good soaking of water. It should be remembered, 
too, that positions on walls are always drier than the open garden, 
and consequently watering and some syringing are necessary during 
the first year and perhaps also during dry spring and summer weather. 
Mulching with leaf-mould would save much watering, but not alto- 
gether on walls facing due south or under overhanging eaves. 
