alea_). These can
all be increased by seeds, layering, and, in addition, the first two by
division of the old plants. _Erica_ and _Calluna_ can also be increased
by cuttings. Seedlings, of course, make the best plants, but layering is
a quicker method, and, in the case of some of the smaller Ericaceae, one
of the easiest. All the Rhododendrons will not root from cuttings,
though some of the small-flowered ones strike easily, but practically
all may be increased from layers. A few of the showy garden forms cannot
be raised from layers, and have to be grafted on stocks of the common
_R. ponticum_ or _R. catawbiense_.

OLEACEAE.--This includes both deciduous flowering shrubs and ornamental
evergreens, such as _Syringa_ (Lilac), _Chionanthus_ (Fringe tree),
_Jasminum_ (Jasmine), _Forsythia_, _Ligustrum_ (Privet), _Phillyraea (P.
decora (vilmoriniana)_ is so easily raised from seeds or cuttings that
it is foolish to graft it on the common privet), and _Osmanthus_ being
represented. The first two are best propagated by seeds or layers,
though the named garden Lilac is usually grafted on stocks of the common
_S. vulgaris_, a silly practice. It is a pitiful business keeping down
suckers from grafted plants. Ask for Lilacs on their own roots, and much
vexation will be saved. A garden should be a place of rest and pleasure,
not a hunting-ground for suckers. The other genera are readily raised by
cuttings taken at almost any time of the year, or by layering.

Although the above orders include a considerable number of our best
shrubs, several plants must be specially mentioned. The Clematis is
increased by seeds, cuttings, or layers in the case of the species, but
unfortunately the garden forms are usually grafted on _C. Viticella_ or
_C. Flammula_, whereas many can be propagated by cuttings, and
practically all will root when layered.

[Illustration: _TULIP TREE AT RANELAGH (Winter)._]

In the absence of seeds the following genera must be propagated by
layers, viz., _Aucuba_, _Chimonanthus_ (Winter Sweet), _Halesia_
(Snowdrop tree), _Hamamelis_ (Witch Hazel), _Hippophae_ (Sea Buckthorn),
and _Myrica_ (Candleberry Myrtle). Cuttings of the first will root
readily enough, but never seem to succeed afterwards. The female form of
_Hippophae_ is best raised from layers, as seedlings usually give a
large percentage of male plants. _Aralia_ and _Rhus_ (Sumach) are
increased by seeds or root-cuttings; _Buddleia japonica_ is best raised