88 
HARDY PERENNIALS 
desirable in order to work up stock of a distinct and 
specially admired variety to strike a few cuttings. 
To obtain suitable growths for this purpose merely 
remove the main flower spikes to encourage the 
formation of axillary growths from the leaf-joints. 
When these are from one and a half to two 
inches long, strip them with a heel from the main 
stem by gentle down- 
ward pressure, re- 
move a few lower 
leaves, and insert 
firmly round the 
edge of pots filled 
with light sandy soil. 
Keep in a closed 
frame in a sheltered, 
shady position until 
rooted, afterwards 
giving plenty of 
ven tilation and 
similar treatment to 
that afforded to 
seedlings. 
One point that makes for success with Antirrhinums 
is to tread the soil about the roots as firmly as 
possible. Do not be too lavish in manuring the 
soil before planting, but when flower spikes show 
themselves the plants may be fed with liquid manure, 
giving a good drenching with weak liquid rather 
than a stronger solution. 
Branch of Antirrhinum, the Lower 
Shoots being suitable for Cuttings. 
The Cross-cuts indicate the manner of Trimming 
THE Cuttings if they are too long to strip 
OFF WITH A " Heel." 
