The Amateur Propagator. 
87 
lower part, and its base cut level close to a joint. The dotted line shows 
the depth for inserting it in the soil. Insert Fig. 20 as far as the base of the 
leaves. 
We now come to another class of cuttings, namely, those represented by 
Figs. 22, 23, and 24. The first of these is called a “ bud cutting.” It consists 
of a bud in the axil of a leaf, and is removed with a portion of the stem in 
the shape of a shield, which portion is inserted as shown in the soil, the point 
of the bud appearing above the surface. It is used chiefly for propagating 
uses. Fig. 23 shows a “ stem cutting.” The stem of a plant is cut into short 
lengths, each having a leaf attached. The short stem is half buried horizon¬ 
tally in the soil, and the leaf secured to a stick. This is the mode of 
propagating the india-rubber plant. Last of all, we have the leaf-cutting 
(Fig. 24.) A full-grown leaf of begonia or gloxinia has its mid-ribs severed 
where they join, and is then laid on the surface of the soil, and secured there 
by pegs. In due course, roots form at the incisions, and eventually shoots 
issue, and a number of plants are thereby obtained. There are a few other 
forms of cuttings, but they are beyond the scope of this work. 
The pt)ts, pans, or boxes, alluded to elsewhere, must next be prepared for 
the cuttings. If two or three-inch pots are used, put a few small potsherds in 
each ; if larger sized are to be used, one-third of their depth should consist 
of potsherds. In each case cover the latter with a layer of moss, dead tree 
leaves, or rough fibre ; then add a layer of coarse soil, and finish off with a 
