50 
PROPAGATION OF THE ROSE. 
planted out, and devoted to propagation, the proper method is to dig 
up the plants in autumn, tracing the roots as far as they go, and tak¬ 
ing the portions whic 1 have been growing above ground out at the 
same time. Some kinds will have half a dozen, or more, perfect plants, 
which have been formed by the spreading at the root, and the end 
growing up through the surface. These suckers should be trimmed 
and planted carefully, at such distance as the sizes warrant; generally 
in rows a yard apart, and the plants eighteen inches from each other. 
Here they have to be cut down in spring to within three or four eyes 
of the ground. 
Propagation "by Layers. 
The Rose will propagate from layers. To do this, some merely select 
a lower branch, and, bending the wood sharp between two joints, peg 
that down under ground in autumn; it will root well by the following 
fall. Others cut a notch in the wood, on the upper side, which makes 
the bend sharper; but there is more danger of breaking it. Another 
method is, to run a knife through the wood, so as to split it, and then 
give the wood a little twist; but most of the sorts will root if only 
pegged under the surface. That, however, is rarely resorted to; and 
when it is considered what facilities for propagation are offered other¬ 
wise, it -is no wonder. The laying should be done as soon as the 
wood has ripened, and the pegs to be used should be like a miniature 
hooked walking stick, which it is easy to form out of any branch of 
wood. This hook is thrust into the ground firmly, to hold fast the 
whole winter and summer season. 
In dry weather, the layers should be watered, as the trees them¬ 
selves, or bushes, frequently prevent the rain from coming neaT the 
surface, where the branch is pegged down, and they would in such 
cases have no encouragement to root. In the autumn of the next year, 
examine them all before they are cut off from the parent root, and if 
rooted, of which there will be little doubt, cut the new plant away, 
with all the new root; and in planting it out in another place, shorten 
the portion above ground to half its length; and at pruning time, m 
the spring, cut it down within three or four eyes of the ground, in ordei 
that it may form a bush. * 
