160 
PERENNIAL FLOWERS. 
flower stems just before or while they are in flower, 
as the stems are then in a firm state, and root much 
more easily, than when they become pithy; cut the 
stems off close to the ground, and divide them into 
lengths of three or four joints each, trim off the leaves 
from that part intended to be inserted in the earth, 
and plant them about half their length deep, in moist 
soil, and in a shady situation, and they will grow 
freely. 
Suckers.— These only require to be separated from 
the parent plant, with as many fibres attached to their 
roots as possible, and to be replanted where they are 
wanted. 
Layering. —This is chiefly adopted with such plants 
as do not grow freely by cuttings, as Pinks, double 
Sweetwilliams, &c., and is performed by choosing such 
young shoots as can conveniently be brought to the 
ground, and making an incision at a joint, (as for other 
layers,) and covering them an inch or two with soil. 
If they do not comply well in laying them down, they 
must be secured with a hooked stick, and as soon as 
they have taken root they may be separated from the 
parent plant. 
Division of the Roots. —This maybe performed on 
almost any kind of herbaceous plant, either in spring 
or autumn. It consists in nothing more than with a 
sharp spade, knife, or other instrument, dividing each 
root into as many parts as are wanted, taking care to 
keep two or three shoots or eyes in each part. These 
may be planted out in the beds or borders, where they 
are to remain to flower. 
