The Garden Under Glass

PROPAGATION UNDER GLASS 211 growth. As soon as the young growths are able to be håndled they are inserted as cuttings and the leaves treated as before. In due course the young rooted plants are potted up and as soon as large enough the tops are taken as cuttings. In this way, by promptitude and perse-verance, a large stock may be worked up from humble beginnings. Potatoes have frequently been subjected to this express propagation by cutting up the tubers into as many pieces as there are eyes, putting them into a brisk heat and nipping off the points as cuttings as fast as they appear. It must be admitted that it is an exhausting process, and it is only reasonable to believe that there is a sacrifice of Constitution in the offspring, but it is well to know the method, even if it never be used. Soil for Cuttings This should be of a sandy nature to admit of the free passage of air which plays such an important part in the process of rooting. Although not necessarily so fine as for seeds, it should be approximately of the same character. On no account should manure be present in cutting soil. Failure in rooting may often be traced to this cause. Brick dust, silver sand, leaf-soil and cocoa-nut fibre may each be added to soil for cuttings, though a mixture of loam, leaf-soil and sand in nearly equal parts will serve the purpose. Advice Needing Emphasis It must be made perfectly certain that the base of the cutting rests on the bottom of the hole and that the cutting be firm. Lobelias and some other subjects will root quite readily in the spring if torn apart. Whether cuttings are put singly or severally in a pot, or whether