Lesson VI 
To Take Soft Wood Cuttings'^: Select 
the younger growth of the plants where 
the shoots are pretty well matured so that 
they are not too soft. They should break 
straight off when bent in the shape of the 
letter “U. ” If they bend only, they are 
likely to be too soft. If they split, they 
are too hard. The tops of the shoots 
generally make the best cuttings. Cut 
them two or three inches long. Then 
trim off the side leaves and, if the top 
leaves are large, cut them in two so that 
they will not evaporate too much moisture. 
They should then be inserted in clean, 
sharp sand at least half their length and 
wet thoroughly. For the school room or 
home, a deep plate or a shallow dish con- 
taining about two inches of sand can be 
used, and, after the cuttings are in, it 
should be placed upon a radiator. The 
* Coleus, geraniums and such plants. 
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