The Garden Under Glass

212 THE GARDEN UNDER GLASS boxes or pots are used are minor considerations which admit of no general rule. Most cuttings prefer a close, moist atmosphere until they have rooted. In many cases basal cuttings or suckers are preferred to stem cuttings, notably with Chrysanthemums. Treatment of Difficult Subjects Cuttings which display a difficulty in being rooted in the ordinary way may have a heel of the old wood left on. With carnations it is often a custom to split the base of the cutting. It is also a good plan with stubborn subjects to cut the stem half-way through at a joint and leave it thus on the plant until “ callusing ” (or swelling of the cut surface) has taken place, and then to sever it completely and insert in the usual way. Cuttings of poinsettias should be inserted almost immediately they are severed from the plant, as they have a tendency to lose their sap. To obviate this it is usual to dip the ends in dry sand immediately on cutting them off. This will to a great extent avert loss of sap. Propagation by Lavers I think my purpose will best be served by showing how carnations are layered, for it is chiefly with them that this method of increase is used. It is usual to layer the plants immediately after they have matured their flowers. The earlier layering is done the larger will be the root system established before winter sets in. We will layer them in a frame, for that is the better and quicker method, although success well attends the layering of plants in the soil surrounding them. Soil suitable for cuttings will do likewise for layering. We will have a hard