Front matter (continued 3)

Aotus. Leguminosæ.

Increased by seeds. In April or September by cuttings of half-ripened wood, inserted in sand under a bell-glass.

Apeiba. Tiliaceæ.

Propagated by well-ripened cuttings planted in sand in heat, under a bell-glass, which should be tilted occasionally to give air.

Aphelandra. Acanthaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings from half-ripened wood taken off with a heel. Cut the base of each clean across; insert an inch apart in pots of sandy soil, and plunge in a brisk bottom heat.

Aphelexis. Compositæ.

Increased by seeds. Also by cuttings made in spring or summer; small half-ripened side shoots are the best; and these will root in sandy soil, under a bell-glass, in a cool greenhouse.

Aphyllanthes. Liliaceæ.

Increased by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe in pots in a cool greenhouse. Divisions are also made.

Apios. Leguminosæ.

Propagated by the tubers or divisions of them.

Aplectrum (Putty-Root). Orchideæ.

Increased by the bulb-like subterranean tubers; also by seeds. A difficult plant to grow.

Aplotaxis. See Saussurea.

Apocynum (Dog’s Bane). Apocynaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, suckers and divisions. The best time to divide is just as the plants are starting into growth in spring.

Aponogeton. Naiadaceæ.

Increased rapidly by seeds and offsets. The seeds should be sown as soon as ripe, in pots buried in loam, and covered with glass.

Apple (Pyrus Malus). Rosaceæ.

Standard apple stocks are grown from seeds, and dwarf stocks from layers. Apple seeds are either imported from France or are obtained from pomace. The French seeds give what are technically known as crab stocks, the word crab being used in the sense of a wild or inferior apple. The yearling stocks themselves are imported from France in great numbers. It has been supposed that French crab stocks are hardier and more vigorous than ours, but this opinion is much less common than formerly, and the foreign stocks are not so popular now as the domestic stocks.

The chief source of apple seeds at the present time is the pomace from cider mills. The “cheese” of pomace is broken up, and if the material is dry enough it may be run through a large sieve to remove the coarser parts. The seeds are then removed by washing. Various devices are in use for washing them out. They all proceed upon the fact that the pomace will rise in water and the seeds sink. Some use a tub or common tank, which is tilted a little to allow the water to flow over the side. Others employ boxes some seven or eight feet long, four feet wide and a foot deep, the lower end of which is only eleven inches deep to allow the escape of the water. This box is set upon benches, and a good stream of water is carried into it at the upper end. A bushel or two of pomace is emptied in at a time, and it is broken and stirred with a fork or shovel. When the seeds are liberated they fall to the bottom and the refuse runs over the lower end. Another box is provided with several cleats, at intervals of about a foot, and the ends are left open. The box is set at an angle, and the seeds are caught behind the cleats. Seeds must not stand long in the pomace pile, or they will be seriously injured. Nurserymen like to secure the pomace as soon as it is taken from the press.

As soon as the seeds are collected, they should be spread upon tables or boards, and should be frequently turned until perfectly dry. They may then be stored in boxes in slightly damp sand or sawdust, or in powdered charcoal and kept in a cool and dry place until spring. Or if they are to be sown immediately they need not be dried, but simply mixed with enough dry sand to absorb the water so as to make them easy to handle Seeds should not be allowed to become hard and dry through long exposure to the air, or they will germinate unevenly. Apple seeds procured at the seed stores are often worthless because of this neglect. Very dry seeds can sometimes be grown, however, by subjecting them to repeated soakings and then sprouting in a gentle hot-bed or mild forcing-house. Change the water on the seeds every day, and at the end of a week or ten days mix with sand and place in a thin layer in the hot-bed. Stir frequently to prevent molding. When the seeds begin to sprout, sow them in the open ground. This operation, which is sometimes called pipping, may be performed in a small way by the kitchen stove. Seeds are sometimes “pipped” between moist blankets. (See also page 17.)

When sowing is done in the fall, the seeds may be sown in the pomace. This entails extra labor in sowing, but it saves the labor of washing. This practice gives good results if the pomace is finely broken, and it is now common among nurserymen.

In loose and well-drained soils, sowing is undoubtedly best performed in the fall, just as early as the seeds are ready. But upon land which holds much water, and which heaves with frost or contains much clay, spring sowing is preferable. In spring, the seeds should be sown just as soon as the ground can be worked.

If the stocks are to be cultivated with a horse, the rows should be three or three and a half feet apart. Some growers sow in narrow drills and some in broad ones. The broad drills are usually six to ten inches wide. The earth is removed to the depth of two or three inches, if it is loose and in good condition, the seed is scattered thinly on the surface and the earth hoed back over them. If the ground is likely to bake, the seeds should not be sown so deep; and it is always well, in such cases, to apply some very light and clean mulch. The plants should be well cultivated during the season, and they should attain a height of six to twelve inches or more the first year. If the plants come thickly, they must be thinned out.

In the fall of the first year the seedlings should be large enough to be dug and sold to general nurserymen. Sometimes the poorest plants are allowed to stand another year, but they are usually so scattering that they do not pay for the use of the land, and they should be transplanted the same as the larger stock, or the weakest ones may be thrown away. The stocks are dug with a plow or tree-digger and heeled-in closely, so that the leaves “sweat” and fall off. The plants are then stored in sand, moss or sawdust in a cellar. Before they are shipped the tops are cut off near the crown, usually with a hatchet on a block. The stocks are then graded into budding and grafting sizes. The general nurserymen buy these stocks in fall or early winter. Those which are root-grafted are worked during late winter, but those intended for budding, or which must be grown another season before they attain sufficient size for working, are “dressed” (See Chapter V) and heeled-in; in the spring they are set in nursery rows, from a foot to eighteen inches apart in the row. The nurseryman reckons the age of his tree from the time the seedling is transplanted, rather than from the time the seed was sown.

Seedling raising is usually conducted by men who make it a business and who supply the general nurserymen of the country. It is largely practiced at the west, where the deep and strong soils produce a rapid growth. The yearling trees are graded by the western growers into about four lots: “Extras,” or those at least one-fourth inch in diameter at the crown and having twelve inches of both top and root; these are used mostly as budding stocks the next season, “Commons,” those between three-sixteenths and one-fourth inch at the crown and having eight inches of root; these are used for immediate root-grafting. “Second-class,” those from two to three-sixteenths inch at the crown, and “third-class,” or all those under two-sixteenths. The last two classes must be grown in the field for one or two seasons before they can be worked.

Dwarf stocks are mostly obtained from mound-layering. The common stock for dwarfing is the Paradise apple, a dwarf variety of the common apple species (Pyrus Malus). This variety rarely attains a height of more than four feet. A larger or freer stock is the Doucin, also a variety of Pyrus Malus, which will produce an engrafted tree intermediate in size between that given by the Paradise and free or common stocks. This is little used in this country. To obtain stools for mound-layering, the tree, when well established, is cut off within four or six inches of the ground in spring, and during the summer several shoots or sprouts will arise. The next year the stool is covered by a mound, and by autumn the layers are ready to take off. Sometimes, when stocks are rare, mound-layering is performed during the first summer, before the young shoots have hardened, but good stocks are not obtained by this method. Common green layering is sometimes practiced the first year, but it is not in favor. The dwarf stocks, in common with all apple stocks, may be propagated by root-cuttings and by hard-wood cuttings.

Apple stocks are either grafted or budded. Root-grafting is the most common, especially at the west where long scions are used in order to secure own-rooted trees. (See Chapter V.) Budding is gaining in favor eastward and southward; it is performed during August and early September in the northern states, or it may be begun on strong stocks in July by using buds which have been kept on ice. Stocks should be strong enough to be budded the same year they are transplanted, but the operation is sometimes deferred until the second summer. Stocks which cannot be worked until the second year are unprofitable, especially on valuable land. For root-grafting, strong one-year-old roots are best, but two-year-olds are often used.

In common practice, the root is cut into two or three pieces of two to three inches each, but stronger trees are obtained, at least the first year or two, by using the whole root and grafting upon the crown. The lowest piece is usually small and weak and is generally discarded.

The apple is easily top-grafted and top-budded. (See Chapter V.)

Apple Berry. See Billardiera.

Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca). Rosaceæ.

The apricot thrives upon a variety of stocks. Apricot stocks are used in apricot-growing regions, especially for deep and rich well-drained soils. The pits grow readily if given the same treatment as that detailed for the peach (which see). The stocks are also handled in the same manner as peach-stocks. Apricots upon apricot roots are not largely grown outside of California, in this country. Apricot stocks can be grown from root-cuttings the same as cherries and other stone-fruits.

The apricot does well upon the peach, especially on light soils. In the warmer parts of the country peach is much used.

Plum stocks are commonly used at the north, especially if the trees are to be planted in moist or heavy soils. The common plum is generally used, but some of the native plum stocks are now coming into favor, especially in trying climates. The Russian apricots, which are a hardy race of Prunus Armeniaca, are grown in colder climates than the common varieties, and they therefore demand hardy stocks. Any of the native plums make good stocks, but the Marianna is now coming into especial prominence. The myrobolan plum can be used for all apricots, but it is not popular, particularly in severe climates.

The almond, both hard and soft-shelled, is sometimes used for the apricot, but the union is likely to be imperfect and it is not recommended. Almond-rooted trees are best adapted to light soils.

Varieties of apricots are usually budded, in the same way as the peach, although they may be side-grafted at the crown in the nursery row.

Aquartia. See Solanum.

Aquilegia (Columbine). Ranunculaceæ.

Increased by seeds. They must be sown very thinly, soon after being ripe, in a sandy soil or in pans in a cold-frame. Division of the root is the only way to perpetuate any particular variety with certainty.

Arabis (Wall Cress, Rock Cress). Cruciferæ.

Increased by seeds sown in the border or in pans, in spring. By divisions of the root, and by cuttings placed in a shady border during summer.

Arachis (Pea-Nut, Ground-Nut). Leguminosæ.

Increased by seeds, which should be sown in heat; and, when the plants have grown to a sufficient size, they should be potted off singly. See under Pea-Nut.

Arachnimorpha. See Rondeletia.

Aralia. Araliaceæ.

Propagated by seeds and by root-cuttings; also by stem cuttings, in heat.

Araucaria, Eutacta. Coniferæ.

Increased by seeds sown in pans or boxes, with but gentle heat. By cuttings from the leading shoots, placed firmly in a pot of sand; they first require a cool place, but afterwards may be subjected to a slight warmth. When rooted, pot off into fibrous loam, mixed with leaf soil and sand.

Arbor-vitæ. See Thuya.

Arbutus (Strawberry Tree). Ericaceæ.

Increased by seeds, which should be sown in sand during early spring, and by grafting, budding, or inarching upon A. Unedo.

Arctotheca. Compositæ.

Propagated by divisions of the plant, or by cuttings in spring.

Arctotis. Compositæ.

Propagated by cuttings, which may be made at any time; they should be pricked in pots of very sandy soil, and placed in very gentle warmth. They must be kept uncovered and moderately dry, or they will rot.

Ardisia. Myrsineæ.

Propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Areca (Cabbage Palm). Palmæ.

Increased by seeds, which should be sown in a compost of loam, peat, and leaf soil, in equal parts, with a liberal addition of sand, and placed in a moist and gentle heat.

Arenaria (Sandwort). Caryophylleæ.

Increased by seeds, division or cuttings; the last placed under a hand-glass will root freely. Seeds should be sown in spring in a cold-frame. The best time to divide the plant is early spring, or during July and August.

Aretia. See Androsace.

Argania. Sapotaceæ.

Increased by layers and cuttings. The latter require a propagating-frame. Both should be made in autumn and spring, and in a moderately heated greenhouse.

Argemone. Papaveraceæ.

Increased by seeds, which may be sown out-doors in spring; those of the rarer species in a hot-bed.

Argyreia (Silver-weed). Convolvulaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings, which will do well in sand, with a hand-glass over them, in a little bottom heat.

Argyrochæta. See Parthenium.

Argyroxyphium. Compositæ.

Propagated by seeds.

Arisarum. Aroideæ.

Propagated in spring by seeds or divisions of the root.

Aristea. Irideæ.

Increased by seeds and divisions.

Aristolochia (Birthwort). Aristolochiaceæ.

Propagated by seeds and layers, which are not very satisfactory. Cuttings root freely in sand, under a bell-glass with bottom heat. The seeds must be fresh.

Aristotelia. Tiliaceæ.

Propagated by layers, or by ripened cuttings, which root freely if placed under a hand-glass.

Armeria (Thrift, Sea Pink). Plumbagineæ.

Increased by seeds sown in spring, in pots of sandy soil, and placed in a cold-frame; by division, separate pieces being planted as cuttings under hand-glasses.

Arnatto. See Bixa.

Arnebia. Boragineæ.

Increased by seeds. Cuttings of the strong shoots should be inserted in pots of sandy soil, and placed in gentle heat.

Arnica. Compositæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in a cold-frame in spring, and by divisions, which should be made in spring.

Aronicum. See Doronicum.

Arracacha. Umbelliferæ.

Increased by divisions of the roots.

Arrow-root. See Calathea.

Arrhostoxylum. See Ruellia.

Artabotrys. Anonaceæ.

Propagated by seeds; and by cuttings of ripened wood, placed in early spring in sand under a frame, with bottom heat.

Artanema. Scrophulariaceæ.

Increased readily by seeds and cuttings.

Artanthe. See Piper.

Artemisia (Mugwort, Southernwood, Wormwood). Compositæ.

The annuals by seeds; the herbaceous ones, by dividing at the root; the shrubby kinds by cuttings.

Arthropodium. Liliaceæ.

Increased freely by seeds and by divisions.

Arthrostemma. Melastomaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of small firm side shoots, which will root, in April or August, under a hand-glass in sandy soil.

Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus). Compositæ.

Usually grown from seeds. Although the plant is perennial, a new stock should be started about every other year. It may be increased also by suckers or divisions of the stools.

Artichoke, Jerusalem (Helianthus tuberosus). Compositæ.

Commonly increased by means of the tubers, which may be planted whole or cut into eyes, after the manner of potatoes. Seeds are very rarely used.

Artocarpus (Bread Fruit). Urticaceæ.

Propagation is difficult. Suckers may be utilized when procurable. The young and slender lateral growths are used for cuttings.

Arum. Aroideæ.

Propagated by seeds, but usually by division of the roots, the best time being just as they begin their new growth, securing as many roots as possible to each division. Any rootless pieces should be placed in heat shortly after removal; this hastens the formation of roots and excites top growth. Arisæmas are treated in the same way.

Arundinaria. Gramineæ.

Increased by division of the root.

Arundo (Reed). Gramineæ.

Propagated by seeds or divisions, spring being the best time for either method. In early autumn, the canes can be cut into lengths of 18 to 24 inches and partly buried in sand in a gentle bottom heat, laying them horizontally.

Asarum. Aristolochiaceæ.

Propagated easily by divisions in spring.

Ascaricida. See Vernonia.

Ascium. See Norantea.

Asclepias (Milkweed, Swallow-wort). Asclepiadeæ.

Increased by seeds sown in pots in spring, pricked out singly when large enough, and treated like cuttings. By cuttings, which should be secured in spring, struck in gentle heat, under a bell-glass, and as soon as they are well-rooted potted into small pots. Seeds of A. tuberosa must be sown or stratified at once.

Ascyrum. Hypericineæ.

Increased by seeds and by careful divisions of the roots in spring.

Ash. See Fraxinus.

Asimina. Anonaceæ.

Propagated by seeds procured from their native country. The seedlings should be raised in pots, and sheltered carefully. By layers made in autumn.

Aspalathus. Leguminosæ.

Propagated by young cuttings of half-ripened wood, placed in sand, in spring, under bell-glasses, which must be wiped dry occasionally.

Asparagus. Liliaceæ.

The common kitchen garden asparagus is best propagated by means of seeds. These are sown in spring as soon as the ground can be worked, usually in rows a foot or two apart. Thin the young plants to two or three inches apart in the row and give good culture, and the plants can be set in the field the following spring, and they will give a fair crop after growing there two seasons. Small growers nearly always buy plants of nurserymen. Old asparagus crowns can be divided, but seeds give better plants.

The ornamental species of asparagus are propagated by seeds when they are obtainable; otherwise, by division.

Asperula. Rubiaceæ.

Increased by seeds and by divisions of the roots during spring and early summer.

Asphodeline. Liliaceæ.

Propagated by division.

Asphodelus (Asphodel). Liliaceæ.

Propagated by seeds and by division of the root in early spring.

Aspidistra. Liliaceæ.

Aspidium. See under Ferns.

Asplenium. See under Ferns.

Propagated by suckers.

Assonia. Sterculiaceæ.

Propagated by young cuttings, which will root freely in sand with strong bottom heat, if covered with a bell-glass.

Astartea. Myrtaceæ.

Increased by young cuttings, in sand, in gentle heat, under a bell-glass.

Astelma. Compositæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in pots of light, open soil, in gentle heat. By half-ripened cuttings, which will root readily in sandy soil with a hand-glass over them.

Astephanus. Asclepiadeæ.

Propagated by divisions; and by cuttings, in sandy soil, in moderate heat.

Aster (Aster, Michælmas Daisy, Star-wort). Compositæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in spring, or by root divisions made in autumn; also by cuttings, which root freely in sandy soil under a hand-glass, with little heat.

Asteracantha. Acanthaceæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in August; and by divisions in spring.

Asteriscus. See Odontospermum.

Asterocephalus. See Scabiosa.

Asteropterus. See Leyssera.

Asterostigma. See Staurostigma.

Astilbe. Saxifrageæ.

Propagated by division in early spring, and by seeds if they are produced.

Astragalus (Milk Vetch). Leguminosæ.

Seeds should be sown in pots of sandy soil placed in a cold-frame, as soon as ripe, or early in the spring, as they may lie a long time before germinating. The herbaceous perennials also increase by divisions, and the shrubby kinds slowly by means of cuttings placed in a cold-frame.

Astrantia. Umbelliferæ.

Increased by seeds and root divisions in autumn or spring.

Astrapæa. Sterculiaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of young wood made in spring, placed in a compost of loam and peat, or sand, under a bell-glass, in heat.

Astrocaryum, Phœnicophorum. Palmæ.

Increased by seeds sown in spring in a hot-bed; or by suckers, if obtainable.

Astroloma. Epacrideæ.

Propagated by young cuttings placed in sandy soil, under a bell-glass, in a cool house.

Asystasia. Acanthaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of young shoots, placed in sand, under a bell-glass, with a strong bottom heat, in spring.

Ataccia. See Tacca.

Atalantia. Rutaceæ.

Propagated by ripened cuttings, which will root freely in sandy soil under a hand-glass, in heat.

Atamasco Lily. See Amaryllis.

Athamanta. Umbelliferæ.

Increased by seeds sown in spring, or by division.

Athanasia. Compositæ.

Propagated by means of cuttings taken from half-ripened wood in spring, and placed in sand under a hand-glass.

Atherosperma. Monimiaceæ.

Propagated readily by cuttings.

Athlianthus. See Justicia.

Athrixia. Compositæ.

Propagated by cuttings of young wood, under a bell-glass in sandy soil.

Athrotaxis. Coniferæ.

Increased by cuttings.

Atragene. Ranunculaceæ.

Seeds should be stratified, and sown in early spring, in gentle heat. By layering in autumn; the layers should not be separated for about a year, when they will be vigorous plants. By cuttings, which should be set in light soil and placed under a hand-glass.

Atropa (Belladonna). Solanaceæ.

Seeds.

Aubletia. See Paliurus.

Aubrietia. Cruciferæ.

Propagated by seeds, which should be sown in spring. In early autumn carefully transplant to a cool shady border. Also by divisions. Where a stock of old plants exists, layer their long slender branches any time after flowering, and cover with a mixture of sand and leaf soil; they will then root freely and establish themselves in time for spring blooming. Cuttings should be “drawn” or grown in a frame until they are soft, before they are removed.

Aucuba. Cornaceæ.

Readily increased by seeds, sown as soon as ripe; or by cuttings, inserted in spring or autumn in sandy soil, with or without a covering.

Audouinia. Bruniaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of half-ripened wood, in sand, under a bell-glass, in gentle heat.

Aulax. Proteaceæ.

Increased by ripened cuttings, taken off at a joint, and inserted in pots of sandy soil. These will root well under a hand-glass, in a cool house.

Auricula (Primula Auricula). Primulaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, sown as soon as ripe or in spring, in well-drained pots, filled with sandy soil, well watered previous to sowing. Cover lightly with coarse sand, place a pane of glass over the pot, and place the latter in a hand-glass. By offsets, which should be removed when top-dressed, as they are more likely to root. Arrange about four offsets around the sides of well-drained three-inch pots, filled with sandy soil, place under a bell-glass or in a close hand-light, water very sparingly so as to prevent them damping off. After becoming established, admit air, and pot off singly.

Australian Feather-palm. See Ptychosperma.

Australian Mint-bush. See Prostanthera.

Avens. See Geum.

Averrhoa. Geraniaceæ.

Increased in spring by half-ripened cuttings, which will root in sand, under a hand-glass, with bottom heat.

Axillaria. See Polygonatum.

Azalea. Ericaceæ.

Increased by seeds, sown as soon as ripe, or early the following spring, in a large shallow frame containing from two to three inches of peat, over which more peat must be spread by means of a fine sieve; do not cover, but water thoroughly. When the seedlings begin to appear they should have air, shade, and a daily sprinkling of water; transplant in autumn in boxes of peat and coarse sand, water, shade and keep close until growth commences. Grafting is largely practiced to increase the stock of named varieties or choice seedlings, the stock most employed being A. pontica for hardy sorts, and some strong-growing variety of A. Indica, like “Phœnicia,” for tender ones. Layering in spring, enclosing the part buried with moss, is also practiced; but the layer must be left two years before separating. Cuttings of the last year’s wood two or three inches long, taken with a heel, root readily in sand; about the end of summer is the best time. When placed outside they should be covered with a hand-light for about two months, and at the end of that time air should be given freely.

Azara. Bixineæ.

Propagated by cuttings.

Babiana. Irideæ.

Propagated quickly by seeds sown in pans, placed in a gentle heat. These will grow at almost any time. The young plants will require to be carefully transplanted each season until they develop into blooming corms. By offsets grown in boxes or planted out in light rich soil until large enough for flowering.

Babingtonia. Myrtaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of the young sterile shoots, which may be planted in sand under a bell-glass, and kept in a moderate heat until rooted, when they should be placed singly in small pots, in a compost of equal parts loam and peat, with a little sand.

Baccharis (Ploughman’s Spikenard). Compositæ.

Propagated by seeds and by cuttings.

Backhousia. Myrtaceæ.

Increased by half-ripened cuttings, in sand, under a bell-glass, in a cool house, during spring.

Bactris. Palmæ.

Increased by suckers, which are very easily produced.

Badamea. See Terminalia.

Bæa, Dorcoceras. Gesneraceæ.

Propagated easily by seeds.

Bæckea. Myrtaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of young wood, which will root freely if placed in a pot of sand, with a bell-glass over them, in a cool house.

Bæria. Compositæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in spring.

Bahia, Phialis. Compositæ.

Increased by seeds, or by divisions.

Balbisia, Ledocarpum. Geraniaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, or by cuttings made from the half-ripened wood, placed in sand, under a hand-glass.

Baldingera. See Premna.

Balfouria. See Wrightia.

Balm (Melissa officinalis). Labiatæ.

Seeds sown out-doors in spring. Division.

Balsam (Impatiens balsamina). Geraniaceæ.

Increased by seeds sown in early spring, in pans of rich, sandy soil, and placed in a gentle bottom heat of about 65°. Or the seeds may be sown directly in the garden when the weather becomes warm. Varieties increased by layers in late summer, under glass, or by veneer grafting.

Balsamodendron. Burseraceæ.

Increased by cuttings taken from the ripe young wood, in spring, and placed under a hand-glass, in bottom heat.

Balsam-tree. See Clusia.

Bambusa (Bamboo). Gramineæ.

Propagated by careful division of well-developed plants, in early spring, just as new growth is commencing; establish the divisions in pots. If young shoots are layered, leave only the end exposed.

Banana and Plantain (Musa sapientum, M. paradisiaca and others). Scitamineæ.

Edible bananas rarely produce seeds. The young plants are obtained from suckers, which spring from the main root-stock. These suckers are transplanted when two or three feet high. These plants themselves do not produce so good crops as the suckers which arise from them, and are not transplanted. Two or three suckers are sufficient for a plant at a time; what others arise should be transplanted or destroyed. The suckers should be set deep, as low as two feet for best results. In fifteen or eighteen months the plants will bloom, if they have had good care. The stem bears fruit but once, but new stems arise to take its place.

Baneberry. See Actæa.

Banisteria. Malpighiaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings from ripened wood, which will root freely in sandy soil, under a hand-glass, in stove heat.

Banksia. Proteaceæ.

Seeds are very unsatisfactory. Propagated by well-ripened cuttings taken off at a joint, and placed in pots of sand without shortening any of the leaves, except on the part that is planted in the sand, where they should be taken off quite close. The less depth the better, so long as they stand firm. Place them under hand-glasses in a propagating house, but do not plunge them in heat.

Baphia (Camwood, Barwood). Leguminosæ.

Propagated by cuttings, which should not be deprived of any of their leaves. Place in sand under a hand-glass in heat.

Baptisia. Leguminosæ.

Increased by seeds, which should be sown in sand and leaf-mould in the open, or in pots placed in a cold-frame. By divisions.

Barbadoes Gooseberry. See Pereskia.

Barbarea (Winter Cress, American Cress, Upland Cress). Cruciferæ.

Increased by seeds, divisions, suckers and cuttings.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris). Berberideæ.

Propagated by stratified seeds, or by suckers, layers and cuttings of mature wood. Layers are usually allowed to remain two years. Rare sorts are sometimes grafted on common stocks.

Barbieria. Leguminosæ.

Propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened wood, which should be placed in sand, under a glass, in strong heat.

Barkeria. Orchideæ.

Propagated by divisions made just before new growth commences. See under Orchids.

Barklya. Leguminosæ.

Increased by seeds; also by half-ripened cuttings, which should be placed in sandy soil, under a bell-glass, in a cool house.

Barleria. Acanthaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings made of the young wood, and placed in a compost of loam and peat with a little rotten dung, under a bell-glass, in stove temperature with bottom heat.

Barnadesia. Compositæ.

Increased by seeds, sown in spring in heat. By offsets. By cuttings made of half-ripened wood in spring, and placed in sand, under a bell-glass.

Barnardia. See Scilla.

Barosma, Parapetalifera. Rutaceæ.

Increased by cuttings, which root readily if taken from ripened wood and placed in a pot of sand, in a shady place in a cool house, with a bell-glass over them.

Barrenwort. See Epimedium.

Barringtonia. Myrtaceæ.

Increased by cuttings taken from the lateral shoots, at a joint, when the wood is ripe; place in sand and cover with a hand-glass. The cuttings should not be stripped of any of their leaves.

Bartonia. Loaseæ.

Increased by seeds in spring, in gentle heat. The seedlings should be potted singly into small, well-drained pots. In winter they should be placed on a dry shelf in a greenhouse or frame.

Barwood. See Baphia.

Basil (Ocymum Basilicum and O. minimum). Labiatæ.

Seeds, sown in a hot-bed or out-doors.

Bassia. Sapotaceæ.

Increased by cuttings taken from ripened wood; place in sand, under a hand-glass, in a strong, moist heat.

Basswood. See Tilia.

Bastard Balm. See Melittis.

Bastard Cedar. See Cedrela.

Bastard Indigo. See Amorpha.

Batatas. See Ipomœa and Sweet Potato.

Batemannia. Orchideæ.

Increased by divisions and offsets.

Batschia. See Lithospermum.

Bauera. Saxifrageæ.

Propagated by cuttings placed in sandy soil under a glass.

Bauhinia (Mountain Ebony). Leguminosæ.

Propagated by cuttings, which should be taken when the wood is neither very ripe nor very young. The leaves must be dressed off, and the cuttings planted in sand under a glass in moist heat. Also by seeds.

Bayberry. See Myrica.

Bean. Leguminosæ.

Seeds; sow only after the weather is thoroughly settled for out-door culture.

Bean Caper. See Zygophyllum.

Bean, Sacred, or Water. See Nelumbium.

Beard-tongue. See Pentstemon.

Bear’s Breech. See Acanthus.

Bear’s Grass. See Yucca.

Beaucarnea. Liliaceæ.

Increased chiefly by seeds which have been imported from their native country. By cuttings, when obtainable.

Beaufortia, including Schizopleura. Myrtaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of half-ripened shoots; place in a sandy soil under a glass, with very little heat.

Beaumontia. Apocynaceæ.

Increased by cuttings placed in sand in bottom heat.

Bedfordia. Compositæ.

Increased by cuttings, which should be dried a little before inserting them in a light soil.

Beech. See Fagus.

Beefwood. See Casuarina.

Beet (Beta vulgaris). Chenopodiaceæ.

Seeds, sown very early.

Befaria, Bejaria. Ericaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of young wood, placed in sandy soil, in gentle heat.

Begonia. Begoniaceæ.

Increased by seeds, well-ripened before they are gathered, and kept very dry until sown. For the successful raising of begonias, it is necessary to sow the seed in pans or pots of well-drained, light, sandy soil, which should be well watered before the seeds are sown. The seeds should not be covered with soil, or they will fail to germinate. Place a pane of glass over the pans, and set in a warm house or frame, where a temperature of about 65° can be maintained, and shade from the sun. As soon as the plants are large enough they should be pricked off into pans of light leaf-mould soil, in which they may remain until large enough to be placed singly in pots. By divisions of the rhizomes. Also increased by cuttings, which strike freely in pots of sand and leaf-mould, and placed on a bottom heat of about 70°. Where large quantities are required, a bed of cocoanut fiber in a stove or propagating-frame may be used, and in this the cuttings may be planted, and remain until well-rooted. Leaf cuttings succeed best when laid on sand or cocoanut fiber, and shaded from bright sunlight. Select old, well-matured leaves, and make an incision with a sharp knife across the principal nerves, on the under side. They should then be placed on the sand or fiber, and held down by means of a few pieces of crock. Under this treatment bulbils will form on the lower ends of the nerves of each section of the leaf, and these, when large enough, may be removed from the bed and potted. Fan-shaped pieces of leaves are often used. Leaf cuttings of begonia are described and figure in Chapter IV. Species like B. diversifolia, etc., may be propagated by the bulblets which form in the axils of the leaves. Tuberous begonias are best propagated by seeds, as described above, but stem-cuttings can be used with fair success, if they are cut just below a joint.

Bejaria. See Befaria.

Belenia. See Physochlaina.

Bellardia. See Manettia.

Bellevalia. Liliaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe. By offsets.

Bellflower. See Campanula.

Bellidiastrum. Compositæ.

Increased by divisions in early spring, or directly after blooming.

Bellis (Daisy). Compositæ.

Increased by seeds, which should be sown in early spring. By division after flowering, each crown making a separate plant. The soil must be pressed about them moderately firm.

Bellwort. See Uvularia.

Bellium. Compositæ.

Increased by seeds; also by divisions made in spring.

Beloperone, Dianthera. Acanthaceæ.

Propagated by young cuttings. They should be taken in spring.

Belvala. See Struthiola.

Belvisia. See Napoleona.

Bengal Quince. See Ægle.

Bennetia. See Saussurea.

Bent Grass. See Agrostis.

Benthamia. Cornaceæ.

Propagated by seeds sown when ripe in a cool house, or layering in autumn. By cuttings, and by grafting on the dogwood.

Benzoin (Lindera Benzoin) Laurineæ.

Seed.

Berardia. Compositæ.

Increased by seeds sown in spring.

Berberidopsis. Berberideæ.

Propagated by seeds in spring, by layering in autumn, or by young cuttings in spring.

Berberis. See Barberry.

Berchemia. Rhamneæ.

Propagated by layering the young shoots. By ripened cuttings, and slips of the root planted under a hand-glass.

Bergera. Rutaceæ.

Increased by layers or by ripened cuttings, which should be taken off at a joint and placed in sand under a hand-glass in bottom heat.

Berkheya. Compositæ.

The herbaceous perennials usually by divisions of the plant in spring; the other species by cuttings placed under a glass.

Bertolonia. Melastomaceæ.

Propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Berzelia. Bruniaceæ.

Increased by young cuttings inserted in sand under a bell-glass, in gentle heat.

Besleria, Eriphia. Gesneraceæ.

Increased by cuttings placed in heat.

Bessera. Liliaceæ.

Propagated by offsets.

Betonica. See Stachys.

Betula (Birch). Cupuliferæ.

Increased by seeds, which must be sown as soon as gathered, or else stratified. By grafting or budding upon seedling stocks of the common kinds; the former should be done in spring or late winter, and the latter in summer when the buds are ready.

Bidens (Bur Marigold). Compositæ.

Propagated by seeds or by divisions of the plant.

Biebersteinia. Rutaceæ.

Increased by seeds sown in April in a slight hot-bed. In early summer by cuttings, placed under a hand-glass.

Bigelovia. Compositæ.

Propagated by cuttings.

Bignonia (Trumpet Flower). Bignoniaceæ.

Increased by seeds or layering, or, in early spring, by cuttings made from good strong shoots with two or three joints. Place cuttings of tender sorts in a well-drained pot of sandy soil, under a bell-glass, in bottom heat. Also by seeds. B. radicans propagates readily from root-cuttings.

Billardiera (Apple Berry). Pittosporeæ.

Increased by seeds, and by cuttings placed in a pot of sandy soil, under a bell-glass, in gentle heat.

Billbergia. Bromeliaceæ.

Propagated by suckers which are taken from the base of the plant after flowering, when they have attained a good size. The best method to adopt is as follows: Take the sucker in the hand and gently twist it off the stem; next, trim the base by the removal of a few of the lower leaves, and then insert each sucker separately in a small pot, in sharp soil. A bottom heat of about 80° will greatly facilitate new root growth; failing this, they will root freely in the temperature of a stove, if placed in a shaded position for two or three weeks, after which they will bear increased light and sunshine during the latter part of the day.

Bilberry. See Vaccinium.

Bindweed. See Convolvulus.

Biophytum. Geraniaceæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in spring on a hot-bed.

Biota. See Thuya.

Biotia. See Madia.

Bird of Paradise Flower. See Strelitzia.

Bird’s-tongue Flower. See Strelitzia.

Birch. See Betula.

Birthwort. See Aristolochia.

Bitter Sweet. See Celastrus and Solanum.

Bitter Vetch. See Orobus.

Bivonæa. Cruciferæ.

Increased by seeds, which should be sown in spring where the plants are intended to remain. They should be thinned out to insure full growth.

Bixa (Arnatto). Bixineæ.

Propagated by seeds sown when ripe, in bottom heat, or by cuttings put in sand under a hand-glass, in heat; the latter is the better method.

Blackberry (Rubus villosus and vars.). Rosaceæ.

New varieties are obtained from seeds, which may be sown as soon as they are cleaned from the ripe fruit, or which may be stratified until the next spring. If the soil is in prime condition, fall sowing is preferable.

Varieties are multiplied by suckers and by root-cuttings. The suckers spring up freely about the old plants, especially if the roots are broken by the cultivator; but they have few fibrous roots and are inferior. The best plants are obtained from root-cuttings. Roots from one-fourth to three-eighths inch in diameter are selected for this purpose. The roots are dug in the fall, cut into pieces an inch or two long, and stored until early spring. They may be buried in boxes of sand after the manner of stratified seeds, or stored in a cool cellar; callusing proceeds most rapidly in a cellar. The pieces are planted horizontally an inch or two deep, in loose, rich soil. It is best to put them in a frame and give them slight bottom heat, although they will grow if planted in the open in April or May, but the plants will make much less growth the first season. Some varieties do not strike quickly without bottom heat. When the variety is scarce, shorter and slenderer pieces of root may be used, but these demand bottom heat. The heat in the frames is usually supplied by manure, or the heat of the sun under the glass may be sufficient. In these frames the cuttings can be started in the north late in March, or some six or eight weeks before the plants can be set out-doors without protection. When the weather has become somewhat settled, the plants may be planted out, and by fall they will be two to three feet high.

Black Boy. See Xanthorrhœa.

Bladder-nut Tree. See Staphylea.

Bladder-pod or -seed. See Vesicaria.

Bladder Senna. See Colutea.

Blakea. Melastomaceæ.

Increased by cuttings taken from shoots that are about ripe; plant in a pot of sand, and plunge in a moist heat, under a hand-glass.

Blandfordia. Liliaceæ.

Propagated by seeds and offsets, or by division of the old plants, which must be done when repotting.

Blazing Star. See Liatris.

Bleeding Heart. See Dicentra.

Blephilia. Labiatæ.

Increased by division of the roots in early spring.

Bletia. Orchideæ.

Propagated by divisions, which should be made after the plants have finished flowering, or previous to their starting into growth. These are terrestrial, and their flat, roundish pseudo-bulbs are usually under ground. They bear division well, especially B. hyacinthina, which may be cut up into pieces consisting of a single pseudo-bulb. (See under Orchids.)

Blood Flower. See Hæmanthus.

Blood-root. See Sanguinaria and Hæmodorum.

Blueberry. See Vaccinium.

Blue-eyed Grass. See Sisyrinchium.

Blumenbachia. Loaseæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in pots in spring, and placed in a gentle heat.

Blumia. See Saurauja.

Bobartia. Irideæ.

Propagated by separating the offsets during autumn.

Bocconia. Papaveraceæ.

Some species grow well from seed. By young suckers, taken from established plants during summer. Cuttings taken from the axils of the large leaves during early summer push freely, so that they will have plenty of roots before winter sets in. Root-cuttings of B. cordata strike freely.

Bœbera. Compositæ.

Increased by cuttings made of young, rather firm shoots, and placed in sand, under a glass.

Bœhmeria. Urticaceæ.

Increased by divisions.

Boleum. Cruciferæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in a pot in spring, placed in a frame or in the open border during summer.

Boltonia. Compositæ.

Increased by divisions of the root in March.

Bomarea. Amaryllideæ.

Propagated by seeds, which may be sown in a warm house. Also increased by careful division of the underground stem. In making a division it is necessary to observe that the part taken has some roots by which to live till new ones are formed.

Bombax (Silk Cotton Tree). Malvaceæ.

Plants raised from seeds brought from their native habitats make the best trees. Increased by cuttings, which will root readily if not too ripe. They should be taken off at a joint, and placed in sand under a bell-glass, in moist heat.

Bonapartea. See Tillandsia.

Bonjeania. See Dorycnium.

Bonnaya. Scrophularineæ.

The annual species by seeds, the others by divisions and cuttings.

Bonnetia. Ternstrœmiaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of firm, young shoots inserted in sand, under a hand-glass, in a moderate heat.

Borago. Boragineæ.

Propagated by seeds sown from spring or autumn in any good garden soil. Also by divisions in spring, or by striking cuttings in a cold-frame.

Borassus. Palmæ.

Increased by seeds sown in a strong bottom heat.

Borbonai. Leguminosæ.

Propagated by cuttings in spring. They should be half-ripened, and placed in a sandy soil under a bell-glass, in a cool house.

Boronia. Rutaceæ.

Increased by seed. By young cuttings, or those made from half-ripened wood. Place these in a thoroughly drained pot of sandy soil, with one inch of sand on the surface, and cover with a bell-glass; remove frequently and wipe dry.

Borreria. Rubiaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings. Those of the perennial kinds strike root readily in a light soil, in heat. The annual kinds require a similar treatment to other tender annuals.

Bossiæa. Leguminosæ.

Seeds should be sown on a slight hot-bed in March. Also increased by half-ripened cuttings, which should be placed in a pot of sand with a bell-glass over them, in a cool house.

Boswellia (Olibanum Tree). Burseraceæ.

Increased easily by cuttings in sand under a glass.

Botrychium. See Ferns.

Botryanthus. See Muscari.

Bouchea. Verbenaceæ.

Increased during spring by cuttings, placed in sand under a glass and in a gentle heat.

Bougainvillea. Nyctagineæ.

Propagated by cuttings from the half-ripened wood. Place in sandy soil, in a brisk heat. Also grown from root-cuttings.

Bouncing Bet. See Saponaria.

Bourbon Palm. See Latania.

Boussingaultia. Chenopodiaceæ.

Increased by seeds, and easily by means of the tubercles of the stem.

Bouvardia. Rubiaceæ.

The old plants should be cut back, placed in heat in a stove or pit, and freely syringed, which will cause them to break freely and produce a good supply of cuttings. They will root from any surface of the stem, and should be about two inches long. The cuttings should be dibbled pretty thickly into pots about five inches across. A good watering must be given without wetting and thereby injuring the foliage. Plunge the pots in bottom heat of about 70° or 80°, and cover with a bell-glass. Keep moist and shady during sunshine, till rooted. They are also readily and more easily increased by root-cuttings.

Bowiea. Liliaceæ.

Propagated by seeds or offsets.

Bowstring Hemp. See Sanseviera.

Box Elder. See Negundo.

Box Thorn. See Lycium.

Box Tree. See Buxus.

Brachychiton. Sterculiaceæ.

Increased by young cuttings planted in sandy soil in gentle heat.

Brachycome (Swan River Daisy). Compositæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in early spring in a gentle hot-bed, or they may be sown thinly out-doors, late in spring.

Brachylæna. Compositæ.

Propagated by cuttings from the half-ripened shoots, placed in a well-drained pot of sandy soil, under a bell-glass.

Brachyrhynchos. See Senecio.

Brachysema. Leguminosæ.

By seeds sown in spring in heat. By layers. In summer by cuttings from the half-ripened shoots, placed in sandy soil under a bell-glass, in a gentle bottom heat.

Brachystelma. Asclepiadeæ.

Propagated by divisions of the root, and by cuttings in a sandy soil, in heat.

Bradleia. See Phyllanthus.

Brahea. Palmæ.

Propagated by seeds in heat.

Brassia. Orchideæ.

Increased by dividing the plant when growth has commenced. (See under Orchids.)

Bravoa. Amaryllideæ.

Propagated by seeds sown as soon as ripe, and by offsets in autumn.

Bread Fruit. See Artocarpus.

Bread Nut. See Brosimum.

Breakstone. See Saxifraga.

Bredia. Melastomaceæ.

Increased by seeds, and by cuttings from the ripened shoots placed in sandy loam, under a hand-glass, in heat.

Brexia. Saxifrageæ.

Increased by cuttings, the leaves of which should not be shortened. Place in sand under a hand-glass, in heat; or a leaf taken off with a bud attached will grow.

Briza (Quaking Grass). Gramineæ.

Propagated by seeds, which may be sown in spring or in autumn.

Broccoli. See Cabbage.

Brodiæa, Hookera. Liliaceæ.

Increased by offsets, which should be left undisturbed with the parent bulbs till they reach a flowering state, when they may be divided and planted in autumn.

Bromelia. Bromeliaceæ.

Some are propagated by seeds. All by cuttings inserted in sand, in heat.

Bromus. Gramineæ.

Increased by seeds sown outside in late summer or in spring, thinning out when necessary.

Brongniartia. Leguminosæ.

Increased by cuttings of the young shoots, which, if firm at the base, will root in sand under a bell-glass, in a cool house.

Brosimum (Bread Nut). Urticaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of ripe wood with their leaves on. Place in sand in moist heat.

Broughtonia. Orchideæ.

Increased by dividing the plant. (See under Orchids.)

Broussonetia (Paper Mulberry). Urticaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, sown when ripe or kept till the following spring; and by suckers and cuttings of ripened wood, inserted in autumn in a cool house.

Browallia. Scrophularineæ.

Seeds. To have blooming plants by holidays they are propagated by seeds, sown in spring or summer in pans or pots of light, rich, sandy soil, and kept in a close frame or hand-light, where they can be shaded till germination takes place.

Brownea. Leguminosæ.

Increased by cuttings from the ripened wood; place in sand under a hand-glass, in moist heat.

Brownlowia. Tiliaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings made from ripe shoots; place in sand, under a hand-glass, in heat.

Brucea. Simarubeæ.

Increased by cuttings from ripened wood, which will root freely in a pot of sand under a hand-glass, in moderate heat.

Brugmansia. See Datura.

Brunfelsia, Franciscea. Scrophularineæ.

Propagated by cuttings placed in sand under a bell-glass in moderate heat. When rooted, place in pots with a compost of loam, leaf soil, peat and sand.

Brunia. Bruniaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of young shoots, which root freely in sand under a hand-light in summer.

Brunonia. Goodenovieæ.

Propagated by divisions in early spring before repotting.

Brussels Sprouts. See Cabbage.

Brunsvigia. Amaryllideæ.

Increased by offsets of considerable size. They should be potted carefully in a mixture of sandy loam and peat, with good drainage, and kept tolerably warm and close until established; water sparingly until root action has commenced. The best place for growing the offsets into a flowering size is on a shelf near the glass, in a temperature of from 50° to 55°.

Brya. Leguminosæ.

Propagated by seeds or cuttings placed in a hot-bed.

Bryonia. Cucurbitaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, or by divisions of the tuber.

Bryophyllum. Crassulaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings; or by simply laying the leaf on moist sand, and at each indentation upon the margin a plantlet will appear.

Bucco. See Agathosma.

Buceras. See Terminalia.

Bucida. See Terminalia.

Buckbean. See Menyanthes.

Buckeye. See Æsculus.

Bucklandia. Hamamelideæ.

Increased by cuttings of ripened shoots placed in sandy loam under a hand-glass, in moderate heat. Water carefully, for they are liable to rot off.

Buckthorn. See Rhamnus.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum and Tartaricum). Polygonaceæ.

Propagated by seeds.

Buffalo Berry. See Shepherdia.

Bugle. See Ajuga.

Bugle Lily. See Watsonia.

Bugwort. See Cimicifuga.

Bulbine. Liliaceæ.

Increased—the bulbous-rooted species by offsets, and the herbaceous sorts by suckers and divisions. Also by cuttings.

Bulbocodium. Liliaceæ.

Increased by offsets in a rich, sandy loam. Take up the bulbs, divide and replant them every second year, handling in autumn and renewing the soil or planting in new positions.

Bulbophyllum, Anisopetalum, Bolbophyllum, Tribrachium. Orchideæ.

Propagated by division of the pseudo-bulbs.

Bulbospermum. See Peliosanthes.

Bullrush. See Typha and Juncus.

Bumalda. See Staphylea.

Bunchosia. Malpighiaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of ripened shoots, placed in sand under a bell-glass, in moist bottom heat. Good drainage is essential.

Buphthalmum (Ox-eye). Compositæ.

Propagated in spring or autumn by divisions.

Bupleurum (Hare’s Ear). Umbelliferæ.

The annuals by seeds sown in spring out-doors; the herbaceous perennials may be increased by divisions made in autumn or spring, and the greenhouse species by cuttings made in spring.

Burchardia. Liliaceæ.

Propagated by offsets or divisions made just previous to potting in spring. It is best to repot annually. Good drainage should be allowed, and the plant must not be potted too firmly.

Burchellia. Rubiaceæ.

Increased by cuttings, not too ripe, planted in sand and placed under a hand-glass, in a gentle heat.

Burgsdorffia. See Sideritis.

Burlingtonia. Orchideæ.

Increased by dividing the plant. (See under Orchids.)

Burnet. Rosaceæ.

Propagated by seeds and division.

Burning Bush. See Euonymus.

Bursaria. Pittosporeæ.

Increased by young cuttings put in sand under a bell-glass, with a little bottom heat.

Bursera. Burseraceæ.

Propagated by cuttings placed under a bell-glass, with bottom heat.

Burtonia. Leguminosæ.

Some of the species produce seed in abundance, and these form the best means of increase. By young cuttings, which root freely in sandy soil in a cool house, with a bell-glass over them.

Butcher’s Broom. See Ruscus.

Butomus (Flowering Rush). Alismaceæ.

Increased by seeds, or by divisions of the roots in spring.

Buttercup. See Ranunculus.

Butternut. See Juglans.

Butterwort. See Pinguicula.

Button-wood. See Platanus.

Buxus (Box Tree). Euphorbiaceæ.

Propagated by seeds sown as soon as ripe, in any light, well-drained soil. They can be increased by suckers and divisions; by layers of young or old wood, made in autumn or early spring; by cuttings made of the young shoots, from four to six inches in length, in a sandy place in spring or fall. The latter method is the better way in this country, and in the north the cuttings should be handled under glass.

Byrsonima. Malpighiaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of half-ripened shoots in sand under a hand-glass, in moist bottom heat.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea, and vars.). Cruciferæ.

Seeds. They may be sown in the open ground in spring, or in the fall and the young plants wintered in a cold-frame, or in a hot-bed or forcing-house in late winter and spring. Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower are treated in the same manner.

Cabbage Palm. See Areca.

Cabomba. Nymphæaceæ.

Propagated by root divisions.

Cacalia. See Senecio.

Cacao. See Theobroma.

Cactus. Cacteæ.

Propagation by seeds is not often adopted, as it is a very slow method. The seeds should be sown in very sandy soil, and placed in a semi-shady position until germination commences, when they may be exposed and very carefully watered. Usually propagated by cuttings or offsets, which should be made with a sharp cut, and laid upon a sunny shelf or on dry sand until the wound is healed and roots emitted, when they should be potted in sandy soil. Place with the others, and keep syringed. Grafting is resorted to with weak kinds, which will not grow freely except upon the stock of a stronger species; and by this means, also, such kinds can be kept from the damp soil, which frequently causes decay. The stocks usually employed are those of Cereus tortuosus, C. peruvianus, Pereskia aculeata, etc., according to the species intended for working; they readily unite with each other. If the scion and stock are both slender, cleft-grafting should be adopted; if both are broad it is best to make horizontal sections, placing them together and securing in proper position by tying with matting, but not too tightly, or the surface may be injured.

Cæsalpinia. Leguminosæ.

Increased by cuttings, which are somewhat difficult to root, but may succeed if taken from the plant in a growing state and planted in sand with a hand-glass over them, in heat.

Cajanus. Leguminosæ.

Plants are usually raised from seeds obtained from the West Indian Islands and India. Also grown from young cuttings, put in sand with a hand-glass over them, in heat.

Cakile (Sea Rocket). Cruciferæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in spring.

Caladium. Aroideæ.

Increased by tubers, which have been kept dry or rested for some time. Place in small pots in a stove or pit, where the night temperature is maintained from 60° to 65°, and syringed daily once or twice at least. Large tubers, if sound, may be divided and the pieces potted. Some also by cuttings.

Calamagrostis. Gramineæ.

Increased by seeds sown in autumn or spring. C. arenaria (now Ammophila arundinacea), used for holding sands along sea-shores, is propagated by division and can probably be handled easily by root-cuttings.

Calamintha. Labiatæ.

Increased by seeds, root divisions, or cuttings in spring.

Calamus. Palmæ.

Increased by seeds.

Calandrinia. Portulacaceæ.

Increased by seeds sown in pots where they are intended to flower, as transplantation, unless performed with more than ordinary care, will check their growth or result in loss.

Calanthe. Orchideæ.

As a rule, the natural annual increase in the number of pseudo-bulbs meets the requirements of most cultivators. Where a quick propagation is desired, it may be performed by dividing the pseudo-bulbs transversely; after allowing the raw surface to callus, the upper part should be set on moist sand, and several buds will form around the base. The bottom portion may be used in the ordinary way. Another plan is to divide the pseudo-bulbs lengthwise into two or more pieces. (See under Orchids.)

Calathea. Scitamineæ.

Increased by division in summer or any time between that and the spring months. When making divisions, see that each crown is well furnished with roots.

Calceolaria (Slipperwort). Scrophularineæ.

Herbaceous kinds increased by seeds sown from June to August on pans of light, sandy soil, which should be soaked with water before sowing. Care must be taken to make the surface of the soil level, and also to sow the seed as evenly as possible. It is better not to cover with soil, but a sheet of glass should be laid over the pan, which must be placed in a shady part of the greenhouse or cold-frame until the young plants show the first leaf. The glass can then be gradually removed. The shrubby kinds, by seeds and by cuttings in August. Place in a cold-frame facing the north, in sandy soil, and when rooted, pot off into 3-inch pots. Place in a light, sunny frame, where they may remain until the middle of February.

Caldcluvia. Saxifrageæ.

Propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened shoots planted in sand under a hand-glass, and placed in a very gentle bottom heat.

Calectasia. Juncaceæ.

Propagated by divisions.

Calendula (Marigold). Compositæ.

Increased by seeds and by cuttings, which thrive well in a compost of loam and peat.

Caliphruria. Amaryllideæ.

Propagated by bulbels. After flowering, the plants should have a slight heat, and when starting into new growth should be repotted.

Calliandra. Leguminosæ.

Increased by cuttings of rather firm young wood, in sand under a hand-glass, in heat.

Calla. See Richardia.

Callicarpa, Porphyra (French Mulberry). Verbenaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, divisions or by cuttings of the young shoots, with the same treatment as Fuchsia.

Callichroa. Compositæ.

Increased by seeds sown in spring in a slight hot-bed, and placed in the open border later; or if sown out-doors it will still flower in the autumn.

Callicoma. Saxifrageæ.

Propagated by half-ripened cuttings, placed in sandy soil under a hand-glass.

Calligonum, Pallasia, Pterococcus. Polygonaceæ.

Increased by cuttings, which will root in spring or autumn if placed under a hand-glass.

Calliprora. Liliaceæ.

Propagated by offsets, which should not be removed from the parent bulbs until they are of good size.

Callipsyche. Amaryllideæ.

Propagated by seeds and bulbels.

Callirhoe (Poppy-Mallow). Malvaceæ.

Perennials by seeds, divisions of roots, and cuttings; the annuals by seeds only. Cuttings should be started in sandy soil in a frame.

Calliopsis. See Coreopsis.

Callistachys. See Oxylobium.

Callistemon. Myrtaceæ.

Increased by seeds, and by ripened cuttings in sand under a glass.

Callistephus, Callistemma (China Aster). Compositæ.

Propagated by seeds, which should be sown under cover in spring, or seeds for late plants may be sown in the open.

Callitris, Frenela. Coniferæ.

Increased by seeds, or by cuttings inserted under a hand-light in autumn, and wintered in a cold pit.

Calluna (Heather). Ericaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of the tender shoots inserted in pure sand under glass in a cool house in autumn.

Calochortus (Mariposa Lily). Liliaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, offsets, and by the tiny bulblets on the upper portion of the stem. Sow seeds as soon as ripe, or early in the year, thinly in pans, so that the young plants may pass a second season in the seed pots on pans. Place in a cool house or frame, and keep the plants close to the glass during their early stages, as they are very liable to damp off. Early the third season pot off and plant singly, encouraging them to grow freely. The offsets are best removed when the plants are in a dormant state, placed in pots or pans, or planted out in pits or frames until they reach flowering size.

Calodendron. Rutaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of half-ripened wood placed in sand under a glass, in gentle bottom heat.

Calophaca. Leguminosæ.

Propagated by seeds. May be grafted on the common laburnum.

Calophanes. Acanthaceæ.

Propagated by division of the roots in spring or fall.

Calophyllum. Guttiferæ.

Increased by cuttings made from the half-ripened shoots, which root freely in sand, if placed under a glass in bottom heat.

Calopogon. Orchideæ.

Increased by offsets taken from the tuberous roots.

Calothamnus. Myrtaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of young wood, firm at the base. Place in sand and cover with a hand-glass.

Calotis. Compositæ.

Increased by divisions of the root.

Calotropis. Asclepiadeæ.

Propagated by young cuttings thinly dibbled in a pot of sand, placed under a hand-glass in heat. They must not receive too much moisture, or they will rot.

Caltha (Marsh-Marigold). Ranunculaceæ.

Propagated by seeds sown as soon as ripe, or by dividing the roots in early spring, or in summer after flowering.

Calycanthus (Sweet-scented Shrub Allspice). Calycanthaceæ.

Increased by seeds sown in a cold-frame; by divisions or offsets, and by layers put down in summer.

Calycophyllum. Rubiaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of half-ripe shoots, which will root in sand, if placed under a bell-glass, in bottom heat.

Calypso. Orchideæ.

Increased by offsets.

Calyptranthes. Myrtaceæ.

Propagated by layers, or by cuttings placed in heat.

Calystegia (Hedge Bindweed, Bearbind). Convolvulaceæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in spring, or by dividing the plants.

Calythrix. Myrtaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of the young shoots placed in sand, under a bell-glass in a cool house, in late spring.

Camassia, Sitocodium. Liliaceæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in a warm situation out-doors, or in pots or boxes under glass. The young plants should remain at least two years in the seed beds. Also increased by offsets, which are produced very freely, and should be removed either when in a dormant condition, or just previously to starting into fresh growth, and arranged in clumps or lines, placing a little sand about them.

Cambessedesia. Melastomaceæ.

Propagated by half-ripened cuttings, which root freely in a mixture of peat and sand, if placed under a glass, in heat.

Camellia, including Thea (Japanese Rose). Ternstrœmiaceæ.

The single red camellia by either seeds, layers or cuttings. Double and variegated camellias by layers, but cuttings will succeed. Seeds give suitable stocks on which to inarch or graft the rarer kinds. The ripened shoots of the preceding summer should be taken off in August. Two or three of the lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings planted firmly in the soil with a dibble. The pans containing the cuttings should be kept in a plant or cold-frame, without being covered with glass, but shaded during bright sunshine. In the following spring, such as have struck will begin to push, when they need to be placed in a gentle heat. Inarching or grafting is done in early spring, as soon as growth commences.

Camœnsia. Leguminosæ.

Increased by cuttings, which will root in sandy loam, if placed under a bell-glass.

Camomile. See Anthemis.

Campanula (Bellflower, Slipperwort). Campanulaceæ.

Increased by seeds. The perennials are also propagated by dividing the roots, or by young cuttings in spring.

Campanumæa. Campanulaceæ.

Propagated by seeds and divisions.

Camphora (Camphor-tree). Laurineæ.

Increased by cuttings and seeds.

Campion. See Silene.

Camptopus. Rubiaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings in sandy loam under a glass, in bottom heat.

Canarina, Pernettya. Campanulaceæ.

Propagated by divisions when repotted or by young cuttings in a sandy soil, in gentle warmth.

Candollea. Dilleniaceæ.

Increased sometimes by seeds, but usually by cuttings, which will root if placed under a hand-glass in a compost of equal parts loam and peat, with enough sand to render the whole porous.

Candytuft. See Iberis.

Canella. Canellaceæ.

Increased by well-ripened cuttings taken off at the joint. They will root in sand under a hand-glass, with bottom heat, in spring; but care should be taken not to deprive them of any of their leaves.

Canna(Indian Shot). Scitamineæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in heat in late winter. The seeds are very hard, and germination will be materially stimulated if they are soaked in tepid water for twenty-four hours. They should be sown thinly in pans (a mixture of sand and leaf-loam is best for them), and a covering of one and one-half or two inches of earth is not excessive. It is a good plan to sow the seed singly in small pots. Also increased by divisions; they form a root-stock, each portion of which, with bud and roots attached, may be converted into an independent plant.

Cannabis (Hemp). Urticaceæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in spring.

Cantua, Periphragmos. Polemoniaceæ.

Increased by cuttings placed in sand under glass.

Capparis (Caper-tree). Capparideæ.

Propagated by cuttings of ripe shoots, which will root in sand under glass, in moist heat.

Caprifolium. See Lonicera.

Caragana (Siberian Pea-tree). Leguminosæ.

Propagated by seeds and by root-cuttings; the low-growing shrubs by seeds and layers. Caraganas are generally increased by grafting on C. arborescens, which is easily raised from seeds, sown when ripe or in spring.

Carapa. Meliaceæ.

Increased by ripe cuttings, which will root in sand under glass, in a moist heat.

Cardamine, including Pteroneurum (Lady’s Smock). Cruciferæ.

Seeds. Propagated easily by division after flowering.

Cardinal-flower. See Lobelia.

Carduncellus. Compositæ.

Seeds. Increased by divisions of the roots.

Carex(Sedge). Cyperaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, or by divisions. Seeds often lie dormant the first year.

Careya. Myrtaceæ.

Propagated by division, or by ripened cuttings, which root freely if planted in sand under a hand-glass, and placed in moist bottom heat.

Carica (Papaw-tree). Passifloreæ.

Propagated by cuttings of ripe shoots with their leaves on. They root readily in a sandy soil, and in a gentle bottom heat.

Carissa. Apocynaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of ripe wood placed in sand under glass, in bottom heat.

Carlina. Compositæ.

Increased by seeds sown in spring. With difficulty by divisions.

Carmichælia. Leguminosæ.

Propagated by cuttings of half-ripened side shoots in sand under a glass, in a cool house in late spring.

Carnation. Caryophylleæ.

By propagating by seed, new and excellent varieties are raised. Sow the seeds in April or May, and in a slight hot-bed or in a greenhouse. Also propagated by layering, which should be done at the end of July or the beginning of August. The shoots selected should be denuded of a few of their leaves at the base of the young wood, and a slit must be made from this point upwards, extending through a joint of the bare stem, so that a tongue is formed.

Increased also by cuttings. It is necessary to have a slight bottom heat, and on it put four or five inches of light soil, covered with clean sand. The cuttings must be long enough to have a tolerably firm base, and they must either be taken with a heel or cut off at a joint, and firmly inserted in the soil. This is the ordinary method. See Fig. 52, b.

Carob, Algaroba, or St. John’s Bread (Ceratonia siliqua). Leguminosæ.

Stocks are obtained by seeds. The seeds are often treated to scalding water before sowing, in the same manner as locust seeds. Varieties are grafted or budded on the seedlings, or they may be multiplied by means of hard-wood cuttings in frames.

Carpinus (Hornbeam). Cupuliferæ.

Increased by seeds, which vegetate irregularly. Varieties propagated by budding or grafting.

Carpodinus. Apocynaceæ.

Propagated easily from cuttings of half-ripened shoots.

Carrion Flower. See Stapelia.

Carthamus (Safflower). Compositæ.

Increased by seeds sown in a gentle heat in spring.

Carya. See Hicoria.

Caryocar, Rhizobolus (Butternut). Ternstrœmiaceæ.

Increased by ripened cuttings, which will root in sand in heat.

Caryophyllus (Clove-tree). Myrtaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of firm shoots with the leaves left on. These will root if planted in sand in a moist heat.

Caryopteris. Verbenaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, by divisions, or by cuttings.

Caryota. Palmæ.

Increased easily by seeds or by suckers.

Cashew. See Anacardium.

Casimiroa. Rutaceæ.

Increased readily by seeds.

Cassandra (Leather Leaf). Ericaceæ.

Propagated by seeds very carefully sown, or by layers.

Cassava (Manihot Aipe). Euphorbiaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of the stem and by suckers. Cut the large main stalks into pieces from four to six inches long and set them perpendicularly into the ground in the field. The cuttings can be struck at various times, but spring is usually preferred. The stalks can be kept over winter by covering with sand on a dry knoll, placing the stalks and sand in layers. Cover the whole with boards to shed the water. Suckers which appear during summer can be removed and planted or made into cuttings.

Cassia. Leguminosæ.

Annuals and biennials by seeds, which must be sown in spring, in a gentle heat. The shrubby species by cuttings of half-ripened shoots, which will root in heat at about the same time of the year. C. Marylandica also by division.

Cassine. Celastrineæ.

Increased by ripened cuttings, which will readily strike root if planted in a pot of sand with glass over them.

Cassinia. Compositæ.

Annuals by seeds. The herbaceous and shrubby kinds are increased in spring by dividing the roots, or by cuttings of half-ripened shoots placed in sand.

Castalia. See Nymphæa.

Castor Bean. See Ricinus.

Casuarina (Beefwood). Casuarineæ.

Propagated by seeds, or by cuttings made of half-ripened shoots, placed in sand under glass.

Catalpa. Bignoniaceæ.

Increased by seeds, and by cuttings made of the ripe wood. The named varieties and C. Bungei are propagated by soft cuttings in June and July. Grafts are also used.

Catananche. Compositæ.

Increased by seeds, which should be sown in spring. Also by division.

Catchfly. See Silene.

Catesbæa (Lily Thorn). Rubiaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings planted in sand in spring, and plunged in heat.

Catmint. See Nepeta.

Catnip or Catmint (Nepeta Cataria). Labiatæ.

Seeds. Division.

Cat’s Tail. See Typha.

Cattleya. Orchideæ.

Increased by the pseudo-bulbs. (See under Orchids.)

Cauliflower. See Cabbage.

Caulophyllum. Berberideæ.

Propagated by divisions of the roots, made in early spring or after flowering. Also by seeds.

Ceanothus. Rhamneæ.

Increased by layers, which is the readiest way of obtaining strong plants, or by cuttings, which should be inserted in a cold-frame.

Cecropia (Snake Wood). Urticaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of ripened shoots. Place in sandy peat in a moist bottom heat.

Cedar. See Cedrus.

Cedrela (Bastard Cedar). Miliaceæ.

Increased by large ripened cuttings, placed in sand, in heat.

Cedronella. Labiatæ.

The herbaceous species by division of the roots or by cuttings of young wood. C. triphylla by cuttings.

Cedrus (Cedar). Coniferæ.

Increased by seeds, which are difficult to extract from the cones. Gather the cones in spring, and sow the seeds immediately in pans. Varieties are propagated by veneer grafts.

Celastrus (Staff-tree, Bitter-sweet). Celastrineæ.

Propagated by seeds and suckers, also by layering the hardy species in autumn. Ripened cuttings will root freely in a compost of loam, peat and sand.

Celery (Apium graveolens). Umbelliferæ.

By seeds, as described on page 12; or, for the early crop, sow under glass, as in a hot-bed.

Celosia (Cockscomb). Amarantaceæ.

Propagated by seed sown in spring, in pans of well-drained, rich, sandy soil or in the open.

Celsia. Scrophularineæ.

Increased by seeds, which may be sown in the open border and thinned out for flowering, or raised in nursery beds and transplanted. C. Arcturus should be increased by cuttings, the young wood striking freely in a cool house or frame.

Celtis (Nettle-tree). Urticaceæ.

Increased by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe. By layers, and by cuttings of ripened shoots in autumn.

Centaurea. Compositæ.

Annuals by seeds, which may be sown in the open border. To propagate C. Cineraria, and some others sow seeds in August in slight heat, or make cuttings about the beginning of September.

Centranthus. Valerianeæ.

Increased by seeds sown in spring.

Centronia. Melastomaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of half-ripened shoots, which should be inserted in peat and sand, under glass.

Centropogon. Campanulaceæ.

Increased by seeds, by divisions and by cuttings from any young shoots three or four inches long. Take off with a heel and place in sharp sandy soil, close around the edge of the pot, and then keep close under a propagating-box, in a temperature ranging between 60° and 70°.

Cephælis. Rubiaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of firm young shoots, which will root well in sandy soil under a hand-glass, in moist stove heat.

Cephalanthus (Button-wood). Rubiaceæ.

Seeds. Propagated by layers or ripened cuttings in autumn.

Cephalotus. Saxifrageæ.

Propagated by seeds, or by divisions before new growth commences. Also by offsets.

Cerastium. Caryophylleæ.

Propagated by seeds and divisions, or by cuttings inserted in the open ground in a shady place, after flowering.

Ceratiola. Empetraceæ.

Increased by seeds and by cuttings, which should be placed in sandy soil under glass.

Ceratonia (Algaroba Bean, Carob Tree). Leguminosæ.

Increased by ripened cuttings, which will root if planted in sand under a frame.

Ceratozamia. Cycadaceæ.

Increased by seeds, and sometimes by suckers and divisions; but imported plants give most satisfaction.

Cercidiphyllum. Leguminosæ.

Propagated by tender cuttings made during the summer, and slightly wilted before placing in the frames.

Cercis (Judas-tree). Leguminosæ.

Propagated by seeds, sown about the end of March on a bed of light soil, in a gentle heat. They may also be increased by layers, but plants raised from seeds thrive best. It is not necessary to stratify the seeds, C. Japonica is grown from soft cuttings in early summer.

Cereus. See Cactus.

Ceropegia. Asclepiadeæ.

Propagated by cuttings of small side shoots made in spring, which will root in sand, in heat, with or without a glass covering.

Cestrum, including Habrothamnus. Solanaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings in August, the same being potted off as frequently as the roots reach the sides of the pots.

Chænostoma. Scrophularineæ.

Increased by cuttings, which may be made in autumn and placed in a greenhouse or cold pit during the winter.

Chætogastra. Melastomaceæ.

Increased by seeds sown in March, or the perennials by cuttings in sandy peat.

Chamæbatia. Rosaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings, which should be struck in sand in a cold-frame.

Chamæcyparis. Coniferæ.

Propagated by seeds freely, also by layers, but mainly by cuttings put in during October. Select young side shoots with a heel; insert in well-drained pots of sandy soil, and place in a close cold-frame, keeping fairly moist through the winter. In February they should be calloused, and should be placed in gentle heat, where they will root freely.

Chamæranthemum. Acanthaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of young shoots, which will root in spring if planted in sand and placed in heat.

Chamærops, including Corypha, Taliera. Palmæ.

Increased by seeds, or by suckers, which generally appear in considerable quantities.

Chard. See Beet.

Cheilanthes. See Ferns.

Chelone (Turtle Head). Scrophularineæ.

They may be increased by means of seeds. Also by dividing the plant during fall. Young cuttings inserted in sandy soil in a cold-frame grow well.

Cherry (Prunus Avium and P. Cerasus). Rosaceæ.

Cherry stocks are commonly grown from seeds. If the ground is in readiness and is in proper condition, the seeds may be planted in fall, or even as soon as they are ripe. If stored until spring, they must be stratified and kept very cool to prevent germination, and they should be sown at the earliest possible moment. They do not need to be cracked by hand. Care must be taken that cherry pits do not become hard and dry. This precaution is more important with cherries than with peaches and plums. At the close of the first season the seedlings will be a foot or foot and a half high, large enough to transplant into nursery rows after the manner of apples, where they are budded the following season. In warm climates the pits are sometimes cracked as soon as they are gathered, and the “meats” planted immediately. They will then make stocks fit for grafting the following winter, or for transplanting and budding the following summer. Cherry seeds must never be allowed to become so dry that the meat is hard and brittle.

Cherries, in common with other stone fruits, grow readily from root-cuttings, in the same manner as blackberries. They do better if started over a gentle heat.

The Mazzard cherry is the stock upon which cherries are nearly always worked. It is simply a hardy and vigorous variety, with inferior fruit, of the common sweet cherry (Prunus Avium). Seeds of this are readily procured in this country. All varieties of cherries are worked readily upon it. The Mahaleb cherry is used as a stock for nearly all varieties when dwarf trees are desired. This is a distinct species, Prunus Mahaleb. The seeds or stocks are usually imported. This stock is adapted to heavy clay soils, while the Mazzard is not. The Mahaleb is not generally used in this country.

Morello (Prunus Cerasus) stocks will no doubt prove to be valuable in the northwest, where great hardiness is demanded. Seedlings do not sprout or sucker badly, but the natural suckers, which are sometimes used for stocks, are likely to be more troublesome in this respect. If strong-growing tops are worked on Morello stocks, however, there is usually little annoyance from suckering.

It is probable that some of the native American cherries can be used as stocks. The common wild red, pin or bird cherry (Prunus Pennsylvanica) has already been used to some extent. The sweet and sour cherries unite readily with it, and bear very early. It is yet to be determined how long the trees will persist, but there are trees known which are sixteen or eighteen years old, and which are still healthy and vigorous. The dwarf or sand cherry (Prunus pumila), especially the western form of it, gives promise as a dwarf stock.

Cherry stocks are worked both by budding and grafting. Budding is the common method. The stocks should be fit to work the season they are transplanted, or in the second summer from seed. Such as are too small for working then may be allowed to stand until the following year.

In the west, where great hardiness is required, the varieties are crown-grafted upon Mazzard stocks in winter. Yearling stocks are used, and the cions are from six to ten inches long. When planted, only the top bud should be left above ground. The cion strikes roots, and own-rooted trees are obtained.

The ornamental cherries are worked upon the same stocks as the fruit-bearing sorts. Mazzard is commonly used for all species.

Chervil (Chærophyllum bulbosum and Scandix Cerefolium). Umbelliferæ.

Seeds, sown much the same as celery seeds, but the plants are usually allowed to stand where sown. Seed is often sown in autumn.

Chestnut (Castanea sativa and var. Americana, and C. Japonica). Cupuliferæ.

Chestnut stocks are grown from seeds. Difficulty is sometimes experienced in keeping the seeds, as they lose their vitality if dried too hard, and are likely to become mouldy if allowed to remain moist. The surest way is to allow the nuts to become well dried off or “seasoned” in the fall, and then stratify them in a box with three or four times as much sand as chestnuts, and bury the box a foot or two deep in a warm soil until spring. They do not always keep well if stored or stratified in a cellar. Fall planting exposes the nuts to squirrels and mice. American stocks are probably better than European.

The stocks are worked by whip-grafting above ground, the wound being well tied and protected by waxed cloth. Care should be taken to have the stock and cion about the same size, in order to secure a good union. Crown-grafting, root-grafting and budding have not been very successful in this country upon the chestnut. The cions should be cut early, before they begin to swell, and kept dormant until the stock begins to push into leaf. Only vigorous stocks should be grafted. The best results are obtained when the stocks have recovered from transplanting, or when they are from three to five years old. The working of chestnut stocks is far from satisfactory in a commercial way. The union is imperfect in many varieties, and usually no more than half the grafts take well.

Chicory (Cichorium Intybus). Compositæ.

Seeds, sown in spring where the plants are to grow.

Chilopsis (Desert Willow). Bignoniaceæ.

Increased by seeds, or by cuttings of half-ripened shoots in sand under a bell-glass, in a gentle bottom heat.

Chimonanthus. Calycanthaceæ.

Propagated by layering in the autumn.

China Aster. See Callistephus.

Chiococca (Snowberry). Rubiaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings, which strike root freely in sand under a hand-glass, in heat.

Chionanthus (Fringe-tree). Oleaceæ.

Increased by seeds, which should be started in a cold-frame. By layers and cuttings. By grafting or budding it on the common ash, it succeeds very well.

Chionodoxa. Liliaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, which are produced freely. They should be sown as soon as ripe. By bulbels.

Chironia. Gentianeæ.

Increased by seeds, and by cuttings inserted in sandy soil, and placed in a gentle heat in spring.

Chives or Cives (Allium Schœnoprasum). Liliaceæ.

Division of the clumps.

Chloanthes. Verbenaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings of young shoots, which root freely in sandy soil under glass.

Choisya. Rutaceæ.

Increased by ripened cuttings.

Chrysanthemum. Compositæ.

Increased by seeds to obtain new varieties; these should be sown in spring. Division may be made, but this is not often practiced. Usually propagated by cuttings of firm, healthy, short-jointed shoots, about three inches long. They should be made in spring, and placed near the glass of a rather close frame having a temperature of about 45°. No bottom heat should be given. If inserted in pots, only the lower leaf should be removed; if in beds the remaining foliage should also be trimmed to admit air. The soil should be made of equal parts of sand, leaf-mould and loam, spreading a layer of sand over the top. Insert about one-half of the cutting, press the soil firmly, and water. Leaf cuttings have been employed. Inarching and grafting may also be performed.

Chrysobalanus (Coco Plum). Rosaceæ.

Increased by seeds when procurable. Large cuttings, however, taken off at a joint without shortening any of their leaves, will root readily if planted thinly in a pot of sand, and placed in moist heat with a bell-glass over them.

Chrysocoma (Goldy-locks). Compositæ.

Propagated by seeds, or by cuttings of half-ripened shoots, placed in sand under glass.

Chrysogonum. Compositæ.

Seeds. Increased by dividing the roots in spring.

Chrysophyllum (Star Apple). Sapotaceæ.

Increased by seeds when procurable. By cuttings of small well-ripened shoots, plunged in strong, moist heat.

Chrysopsis. Compositæ.

Seeds. Propagated by division in spring.

Chrysosplenium (Golden Saxifrage). Saxifrageæ.

Increased easily by division. Also occasionally by seeds.

Cicca (Otaheite Gooseberry). Euphorbiaceæ.

Seeds. By cuttings of ripe shoots, which will root in sand, if placed under a glass and in bottom heat.

Cimicifuga (Bugwort). Ranunculaceæ.

Increased by seeds, sown in a cold-frame or border as soon as ripe; or by division of the roots in spring.

Cinchona (Peruvian Bark). Rubiaceæ.

Imported seeds, and cuttings taken off when ripe and planted in a pot of sand, under glass, in a moist heat.

Cineraria. Compositæ.

Seeds should be sown under glass; those intended for autumn flowering in April and May, those for spring in July and August. Light leaf-mould should be used, and about an equal quantity of fresh sifted loam and sharp sand added, the whole being well mixed. Old cow manure is a good medium in which to sow (see page 19); then fill up with fine soil. Also by divisions and by cuttings.

Cinquefoil. See Potentilla.

Cipura. Irideæ.

Propagated by seeds, which should be sown in a slight heat in spring; or by bulbels, which are abundantly produced.

Circæa (Enchanter’s Nightshade). Onagrarieæ.

Seeds; also by the running roots.

Cissampelos. Menispermaceæ.

Propagated by cuttings, which root readily in heat.

Cissus. Ampelideæ.

Propagated by cuttings in the spring. Choose the weakly shoots that are pruned just before the plants break into new growth, or allow the young shoots to grow to a length of about two inches. Then cut them off, with a small piece of the base branch adhering to the young wood; or the shoots may be cut off with one or several of these young branchlets on them. Cut the old branch through at the base of each young one, and insert the cutting with this heel of the old wood entire. In this country, usually grown from common green cuttings in summer.

Cistus (Rock-Rose). Cistineæ.

Propagated by seeds, by layers or cuttings under frames outside, or inside with a gentle bottom heat; but seedlings always make the best plants. The seeds should be sown early in the spring in pans or boxes in a frame, and lightly covered with sifted sandy mould. Cuttings should be made from three to four inches long. They may be struck in spring or autumn, in sandy peat under glass.

Citron (Citrus medica). Rutaceæ.

Seeds, which usually reproduce the kind. Mature cuttings, the same as lemon. Also budded on orange, lemon or lime stocks.

Citrus. Rutaceæ.

Increased by seeds, layers, cuttings, inarching, grafting and budding. For particular methods, see Lemon, Lime, Orange and Pomelo.

Cladrastis (Yellow-wood). Leguminosæ.

Propagated by seed sown in the open air in spring, or by cuttings of the roots.

Clarkia. Onagrariæ.

Increased by seeds, which may be sown in spring or autumn out-doors.

Clavija, Theophraste. Myrsineæ.

Propagated by cuttings of half-ripened shoots. These will root in sandy loam, with a surface consisting wholly of sand, if placed in bottom heat.

Clematis (Virgin’s Bower). Ranunculaceæ.

Clematis may be increased by seeds. The seed vessels should be gathered before autumn, and stored in some dry, cool place till the following spring, when the seeds they contain may be sown in light, sandy soil, and placed in gentle heat till they germinate. By layers outside, put in at any time. All the varieties of clematis may also be readily increased by cuttings made of the young shoots, which may be cut up to every eye and planted in gentle heat. Also by grafting any of the varieties on portions of clematis roots in winter. Good healthy pieces of root obtained from old plants answer the purpose well. See also Atragene.

Cleome. Capparideæ.

Increased by seeds sown in a frame in spring, with slight warmth. Ripened cuttings root freely in moderate heat.

Clerodendron, Ovieda, Siphonantha, Volkameria. Verbenaceæ.

Increased by seed, which, if sown when ripe or in the spring, and grown on in heat, may be converted into flowering plants the second season. Propagated also by cuttings of both green and mature wood; also of roots. Suckers. The climbing varieties do not root quite so readily from cuttings as the others, but cuttings of the ripened wood do well.

Clethra. Ericaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, divisions and layers. Cuttings taken from the half-ripened wood will root in gentle heat.

Clianthus (Glory Pea, Parrot Beak). Leguminosæ.

C. Dampieri is best raised from seeds, which should be sown singly in good-sized pots, when the necessity of first shifting will be obviated. C. puniceus and others from cuttings, which strike easily in sand in bottom heat.

Clintonia. Liliaceæ.

Propagated by seeds and by division of the root in spring.

Clitoria. Leguminosæ.

The best method of increasing is by seeds. Increased also by cuttings of stubby side shoots, which will root in sandy soil, in heat.

Cliva, Imantophyllum. Amaryllideæ.

Propagated by seeds or divisions.

Clove-tree. See Caryophyllus.

Clusia (Balsam-tree). Guttiferæ.

Increased by cuttings of half-ripened shoots, which will strike in sand, with bottom heat.

Cobæa. Palemoniaceæ.

Readily raised from fresh seed in spring, if a gentle bottom heat is supplied. It is often said that the seeds must be placed on edge, but this is a mistake. From cuttings taken when young, in spring, and inserted in pots of sandy soil, placed in gentle bottom heat.

Coccocypselum. Rubiaceæ.

Propagated by dividing the creeping stems.

Coccoloba (Seaside Grape). Polygonaceæ.

Propagated by seeds and by cuttings of the ripened wood, with leaves entire, and taken off at a joint. These will root freely in sand under glass.

Cocculus, Wendlandia. Menispermaceæ.

Propagated by seeds. By half-ripened cuttings of side shoots; these will root easily in spring or summer, if planted in sand and placed in bottom heat, under glass.

Cockscomb. See Celosia.

Cocoanut (Cocos nucifera). Palmæ.

The nuts are buried in nursery rows, and the young trees are transplanted. A more common practice is to remove the buried nuts, when they begin to sprout, to the place in which the tree is to stand. A nut is then placed in a hole some two feet deep, which is gradually filled in as the plant grows. In from six to eight years the tree begins to bear.

Codiæum, Croton. Euphorbiaceæ.

New varieties are produced by seed. Increased by taking off the tops of any strong leading shoots, and making them into cuttings. They may be struck by placing singly in small pots and covering with bell-glasses, in strong, moist heat, where they will soon emit roots, without losing any of the leaves attached at the time they were inserted. Or they may placed in a bed of sand.

Coffea (Coffee-tree). Rubiaceæ.

Propagated by seeds. Also by ripe cuttings, which strike freely in sand under glass, in moist heat; and the young plants so raised produce flowers and fruit more readily than those grown from seed.

Coffee-tree, Kentucky. See Gymnocladus.

Colchicum (Autumn Crocus). Liliaceæ.

Seeds, sown as soon as ripe in a protected place. Separation.

Coleus. Labiatæ.

Increased by seeds for new varieties. By cuttings with the greatest freedom at almost any time of the year, and, with a good moist heat, they will quickly form fine specimens. (Fig. 53.)

Colletia. Rhamneæ.

Increased by cuttings of half-ripened wood, six to eight inches in length, in a cool greenhouse.

Collinsonia. Labiatæ.

Increased readily by dividing roots in spring; also seeds.

Colocasia. See Caladium.

Columbine. See Aquilegia.

Colutea (Bladder Senna). Leguminosæ.

Propagated by seeds, or by cuttings, placed in sandy soil in the autumn.

Combretum. Combretaceæ.

Increased by cuttings of side shoots, taken off with a heel, planted in sand under glass, and placed in heat.

Comesperma. Polygaleæ.

Seeds. Propagated by young cuttings, which root freely if planted in sand under glass.

Comfrey. See Symphytum.

Commelina. Commelinaceæ.

Increased by seeds. By cuttings, which will root in sand, in a gentle hot-bed.

Comocladia (Maiden Plum). Anacardiaceæ.

Seeds. Propagated by ripened cuttings, which will root in sand if placed under glass, in heat.

Comparettia. Orchideæ.

Increased by division of the plants. (See under Orchids.)

Comptonia (Sweet Fern). Myricaceæ.

Seeds; by dividing the clumps, and by layers, which should be put down in autumn.

Conocarpus (Button-tree). Combretaceæ.

Seeds. Increased by cuttings of firm shoots, taken in April, in bottom heat.

Convallaria (Lily of the Valley). Liliaceæ.

Increased by “crowns” or “pips” (see Fig. 17), which are the separated growing points of the roots, possessing a strong bud. These crowns can be obtained from any well established bed in the fall, but they are usually imported.

Convolvulus (Bindweed). Convolvulaceæ.

Seeds of the hardy annuals should be sown in spring in the open border. The hardy perennials may be increased by seeds sown in spring, by division of the roots, and by young cuttings.

Coprosma. Rubiaceæ.

Increased by layers and cuttings.

Coptis. Ranunculaceæ.

Propagated by seeds and division of the roots.

Cordia, Varronia. Boragineæ.

Seeds. Increased by cuttings, green or ripe, which strike root readily in sand, in heat.

Corema (Portugal Crakeberry, Crowberry). Empetraceæ.

Seeds. Propagated by cuttings planted during summer.

Coreopsis, Calliopsis. Compositæ.

The hardy annuals, which are largely grown under the name of calliopsis for summer ornamentation, by seed, which should be sown in March in a gentle heat, or outside later. The perennials are propagated also by divisions of the root in autumn or spring, or during the summer by young cuttings, which will strike freely in a cold-frame.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum). Umbelliferæ.

Seeds sown in fall or spring.

Corn. See Maize.

Corn Salad (Valerianella, several species). Valerianeæ.

Seeds sown in spring, summer or autumn.

Cornus (Dogwood Osier). Cornaceæ.

Increased by seed, suckers of soft wood, layers or cuttings. The herbaceous species, C. Canadensis and C. Suecica, may be increased by division, as also by seeds. The willow-like cornuses grow from cuttings of ripe wood. Named varieties and some species are budded in many cases, especially all the weak-growing sorts. Cornus Mas, raised from seed, is the favorite stock. Shield-budding in late summer and veneer-grafting are most successful. (See Fig. 44.)

Coronilla. Leguminosæ.

By seeds sown as soon as ripe. The hardy species by division. Cuttings strike freely if placed in cold-frames or a cool house under a hand-glass in spring, and when calloused, introduced to gentle bottom heat.

Correa. Rutaceæ.

Seeds. May be propagated by cuttings very readily. Varieties are usually grafted on C. alba.

Cortusa (Bear’s-ear Sanicle). Primulaceæ.

Increased by seed sown as soon as ripe in a cold-frame; also by carefully dividing the roots.

Coryanthes. See Stanhopea.

Corydalis. Fumarieæ.

Increased by seeds, or by dividing the plants directly after flowering. The bulbous-rooted species by offsets.

Corylus (Hazel; Cob-nut). Cupuliferæ.

Propagated by seeds, suckers, layers or cuttings. Grafting and budding are each practicable, and are adopted when growing tall standards or scarce varieties. The seed of all should be sown as soon as gathered, or stored in sand till the following spring. All superior varieties should be increased by suckers or layers. Stools kept for layering must be allowed to make more growth than those used for suckers. Free growth must be encouraged for a year or more, and, any suitable time in winter, the shoots should be bent to the ground, pegged firmly, and covered to the depth of three inches with earth. They will be well-rooted by the following autumn, and may then be removed and planted out permanently.

Corynostylis, Calyptrion. Violarieæ.

Increased by seeds, or by cuttings of the young wood, placed in sand in bottom heat, under glass.

Cosmos. Compositæ.

Seeds, usually started under glass. The tuberiferous species, like Dahlia, which see.

Costus. Scitamineæ.

Increased by dividing the roots.

Cotoneaster. Rosaceæ.

Propagated readily by seed, which should be sown in spring; by layers or cuttings in autumn, or by grafting on C. vulgaris, the common quince, or the hawthorn.

Cotton (Gossypium). Malvaceæ.

Seeds commonly. Grown as a curiosity under glass; it may be increased by soft cuttings.

Cotyledon (Navelwort). Crassulaceæ.

Increased by seed, offsets, cuttings of the stem, and by leaves. The leaves should be pulled off in autumn, laid on dry sand in pans on a shelf in a propagating or other warm house, and not watered until small plants appear at the ends of the leaves.

Cowslip. See Primula.

Crambe. Cruciferæ.

Increased by seeds, by dividing the roots and by root-cuttings. See Sea-kale.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Ericaceæ.

The cultivated cranberry is propagated entirely by cuttings. These are made from vigorous young runners, from six to ten inches in length, and they are thrust obliquely into the soil until only an inch or two of the tip projects. Some blunt instrument, as a stick, is commonly used to force them into the sand of cranberry bogs. Planting is done in the spring, and the cuttings are taken just previous to the operation. If cranberry seedlings are desired, the seeds should be sown in flats of peaty earth, which are stored until spring in some protected place, in the manner of stratification boxes. The seeds should be covered lightly, preferably with fine moss. The plants are allowed to grow the first year in the box.

Crassula. Crassulaceæ.

Seeds; also by cuttings, which should be taken off and laid for two or three days in the sun to dry before planting.

Cratægus (Haw, Hawthorn). Rosaceæ.

Propagated by stratified seeds. Some growers spread the haws in shallow piles in the fall, and allow them to decay, so that most of the pulp is removed before they are stratified. Haws often come irregularly, even from stratified seeds. The varieties are grafted, rarely budded, on common stocks.

Cress (Lepidium sativum). Cruciferæ.

Seeds, sown at any time of year. See Water-Cress.

Cress, American. See Barbarea.

Cress, Rock. See Arabis.

Crinum. Amaryllideæ.

Increased by seed, sown singly as soon as ripe in three or four-inch pots, in sandy loam and leaf-mould. Place in a temperature of from 70° to 80°, and keep rather dry until the plants appear, when more moisture should be applied. Also increased by offsets, which should be removed when rather small and potted separately, and grown as recommended for seedlings.

Crithmum. Umbelliferæ.

Propagated by seeds sown as soon as ripe, and by divisions.

Crocosmia. Irideæ.

Propagated by seeds sown in pans in a cold house as soon as possible after maturity. Also by offsets.

Crocus. Irideæ.

Propagated by seed, sown as soon as ripe or early in spring, the choicer strains in pots or boxes, using a light, sandy soil, and afterwards placing them in a cold pit or frame; the more common varieties may be placed in a warm position outside in a seed bed. Sow thinly, so that the plants may grow two years in the seed pan or bed without lifting. By the corms. These may be lifted and replanted, allowing each in its turn to develop new corms below. The following year new corms, or cormels, are also formed by the side of the old corms. These old corms die away annually. Some species increase much more rapidly than others.

Crossandra, Harrachia. Acanthaceæ.

Seeds. Propagated by cuttings, which root freely at almost any time of the year, in bottom heat.

Crotalaria (Rattle-Box). Leguminosæ.

Increased by seeds. The shrubby kinds by young cuttings, which root freely in sand, under glass, in a cool house.

Croton. See Codiæum.

Crowea. Rutaceæ.

Seeds. Usually by green cuttings in a frame.

Crowfoot. See Ranunculus.

Crucianella (Crosswort). Rubiaceæ.

Propagated by seeds, by divisions during spring or autumn, and by cuttings.

Cryptomeria (Japan Cedar). Coniferæ.

Increased by seeds, and by cuttings of growing wood planted in sandy soil, under glass.