76 CHINESE MODE OF LAYERING. [chap. iv. 
cases the layers are left on twelve months, and 
in many two years, before they are divided 
from the parent plant, in order that they may 
be sufficiently supplied with roots. In nur¬ 
series, the ground is generally prepared round 
each stool by digging, and sometimes by 
manuring; and the gardener piques himself 
on laying down the branches neatly, so as to 
form a radiated circle round the stool, with the 
ends rising all round about the same height. 
Chinese mode of layering .—The Chinese 
method of layering, which consists in wound¬ 
ing a branch, and then surrounding the place 
with moist earth contained either in a flower¬ 
pot or a basket, is frequently adopted in the 
continental gardens; and it has the very 
great advantage of producing a young tree 
which will flower and produce fruit while 
yet of very small size. It is generally ap¬ 
plied to camellias, orange-trees, and magno¬ 
lias; but it will do equally well for almost 
any other tree or shrub. When a plant is to 
be layered in this manner, a ring of bark is 
first taken off, and then a flower-pot is pro¬ 
cured, open on one side, so as to admit the 
branch; and some moss being put at the 
