THE MANUAL OF GARDENING. 
83 
it than to say, the method is similar to that pursued in raising 
the seeds of other half-hardy tuberous roots. The most simple 
method, and that generally resorted to, is dividing the roots at 
the time of their re-planting in the spring. Those who possess 
the advantages of a hot-bed and frame, place the old roots which 
have been carefully preserved from damp or frost, into the hot- 
bed about the middle of February, covering the roots but not the 
crown (that is the part of the root immediately round the stalk,) 
with some light soil mixed with sand, and covering them with 
the frame, sprinkling them occasionally with warm water ; if the 
frame steam too much, air must be occasionally admitted. 
When the the roots have made shoots of two or three inches 
high, these may be separated, seeing that each shoot retains a 
tuber, or at least part of the crown ; these must be potted in 
small pots, using a compost of one-third sandy loam, or common 
garden mould, one-third leaf mould, and one-third white sand or 
road scrapings. These cuttings must still be kept under the 
frame till they are re-established, shifting the pots, if the roots 
grow too large: gradually inure them to the open air, and by the 
middle or end of May they may be planted in the open ground. 
Those who have not a hot-bed may plant them in a warm border 
in the middle of April, protecting them at night, should any frost 
occur. They should be planted in a light loose soil, the crowns 
being buried about an inch below the surface. When the shoots 
are about three inches above the soil, the roots are to be taken 
up and separated, as those we have just described in the hot-bed; 
only the pieces may be at once planted in the border where they 
are designed to stand, protecting from frost should any occur. 
Propagating by cuttings is the best though not the safest method. 
As soon as the shoots have attained the height of two inches 
above the ground, the soil should be carefully removed down to 
the crown of the roots, and the young shoots taken off with a 
knife, along with a small portion of the crown of the plant when 
possible; but they will generally grow 7 without. They should 
then be potted as before described, and taken to the window of a 
dwelling-room, or placed in the frame ; and when sufficiently 
established, removed to the open border. Under all these pro- 
cesses the young plants will require to be protected from the 
glare of the sun, and to be watered when first planted, and as 
often as requisite afterwards. 
There is an almost endless variety of colour among these 
plants ; and their height also varies from seven or eight feet to 
two or three : care must therefore be taken in putting them out 
where a great number is grown, to arrange them accordingly. 
When they have attained a good footing in the earth, they should 
be protected from the effects of winds by firm stakes: some em- 
ploy only one large stake, which should be as high as the plant 
