THE ART OF PROPAGATION. 
65 
Generally speaking, soft-wooded cuttings are available for 
use in spring or summer, when growth is active. Hard- 
wooded cuttings are formed from shoots of the current 
■year’s growth when it has become fully matured, as in 
September and October. The cutting is formed from a 
shoot, with or without leaves, 6in. or 8in. long. The 
base is cut off close to a joint, and the tip also removed 
Fig. 25. AN ARCH OF ROSES. 
A simple arch clothed with Dorothy Perkins Roses. Equally pretty effects 
may be obtained with Clematises, Jasmines, Honeysuckles, etc. 
close to a bud. In the case of deciduous shrubs it is usual 
to remove the latent buds from the lower half, leaving 
three or so at the top only. The object is to prevent 
shoots or suckers forming below the soil, and to promote 
the more vigorous growth of those above. Other forms 
of cuttings are small side shoots ain. or 3m. long, re- 
moved with a thin slice of the older branch. Such a cut- 
