Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1860-04-20
H HOrtic ultural.
Propagation of Plants BY Cuttings.

This is ore of the most common and unive
sally practiced modes of extending plants
cutting is simply part of a plant taken O
S and placed in position to form roots, and b
comes IN all respects living representative
) the original from whence it was taken.
The peculiar constitutional condition whic
will render plant favorable, or otherwise, fc
this method Of propagation, has not been as
: certaiued, and the subject is well worthy of al
tentioh BIZ Psychologists. While many plant
such as the willow, will throw out roots from
cuttings taken off almost at any state of ma
turfty, there are also many that are difficult tt
increase by this mode, even under the most ia
vorable circumstances known to cultivators.
Chosfng CuHtngs.-So far as the simple
/! production of plant is concerned it matter.
but little from what part the shoots for cut
tings are chosen. Those, however, that arc
taken from the extreme points of plants are
more likely to flower early, and with some
| plants a more bushy and dwarf habit of growth
will prevail for time, but no permanence Of
this habit viii be obtained by this Means
Cuttings taken from side branches frequently
form plants having a tendency to horizontal
growth, and in some cases, it is necessary to
bend such shoots close to the soil, in order to
encourage fresh growth from the base, be-
fore healthy, upright-growing plants can be
secured. These peculiarities are not constant,
are not considered important by propagators,
although florists occasionally find them useful
for particular purposes.
When seed germinates, the first effort of
the young plant is to send root into the
earth; but unless this is Immediately followed
by the formalities of stem and leaves, the
root will speedily perish. The seed possesses
within itself the necessary ingredients for the
first stage Of termination but as soon as the
rudimentary root strikes downward, and the
young stem arises and unfods its cotyledons !
the plant thus newly brought into existence
changes its mode Of growth, and its future i'll
crease depends upon the presence and action
of leaves. The root, therefore, although it appa-
rently precedes the leaves in termination is |
dependent upon leaves for its previous exis-
tence, III the seed, as its further extension is
wholly dependent upon the cooperation of the
foliage in the growing plant.
Recognizing these we'll known facts in the
selection of branches and shoots for cuttings,
it follows that roots will be most readily pro-
luced when there is due portion Of stored-up
matter in the wood, and the root formation
will be facilitated when the sap is in motion
md all the processes ofgrowth in fulloperation.
It is thus evident that there is a certain state
If maturity in all plants most favorable for
propagation and if we either anticipate or
20 beyond this period in the selection of
shoots, additional care viii be required in their
and, with some plants, rigidity
VI maturity may render the root forming pro-
'ess altogether impracticable.
AS already observed, some plants seem so
trongly imbued with the principle of life that
boots of any age, will root with great Ger
ainty, even if they are taken from the plant
uring its season of rest with the majority
# plants, however, greater care is necessary
mong these nearly all evergreen trees and
llrubs may be included. OF this class, the ]
1ost suitable shoots for propagation, are small
olnts of the current years growth that have
ssar1ed u bfoWnish color, Indicative of ap-
Toaching maturity; a few leaves should be
.taned to assist the development of roots
'lants Of q succuent nature, and such as are
srnled ''soft wooded" are generally propaga- 7
ID by cuttings taken from the points of grow
q shoots, the peculiar treatment of which :
i'll be further alluded to.
Preparation Of Can1ngs.-1n preparing
ltting, we are guided in a certain measure by
lie fact that roots form with greatest facility
ON joints or buds. It is true that caHus >
i'll form, on the cut surface although the cut
ng is deprived of all buds but those intended
II upward growth, and roots will frequently [
'otrude from all parts Of the inserted stem
1t the accumulation of tissue will increase
it'll greater rapi]ity when the section is made Il
below a bud. In cutting the sec e
on great care is requisite that the part is
IT bruised, which tends to decay cutting "
ith scissors should therefore be avoided 2
Iooth, clean cut with sharp knife is best lo
The necessity of retaining leaves on cuttings I
pends upon their maturity; If soft and al
ghtly charged with organizable matter, the Il
lves continue to perform their functions and p'
sst growth. 1t would be difficult to define
e quantity of leaves that ought to be re- vi
ined and although there is no doubt that pl
ey facilitate the formation of roots yet they ed
Tolye a more sbillful management of the ce
ents of vegetation during that process. da
With plants that root slowly, the cutting tie
" undergo preparation before removal
n the parent stem. This is effected by W;
ging the shoot at TIE intended poifst of sep D.
ltion callus will form round the upper III
;e of the ring, from which roots will emit
zen the cutting is removed and inserted in D.
soil.-HoTficuhn7Ist.