As a Point in the Propagation of Stove Epiphytes, we must not omit to do justice to the merits of the before-named Mr. Perrin. It is known that the mode by which plants of this description increase is by sending out travelling layers, like the common iris, the tare, or the mint. Mr. Perrin, when he wishes to turn every layer into a separate plant, does not cut it off, and remove it into another pot; but merely cuts each layer through, close to where it proceeds from the parent plant, leaving it in that position to benefit from what roots it may have sent into the soil, until it sends up young shoots. By the common practice of taking off the layer immediately after it has been cut, it receives such a check that it remains for months, and sometimes for years, alive, but not in a growing state. The same mode of cutting is also practised by Mr. Perrin, for the purpose of filling his pots regularly with young shoots; epiphytes, like all travelling plants, soon extending, often on one side only, till they reach over the pot, and become unsightly by leaving the centre of the pot comparatively bare. Mr. Perrin's plan, by cutting off the connection between the travelling shoots and the stationary stool, forces the latter to throw up shoots; and thus filling the centre of the pot, as well as its sides, large handsome plants are produced, which hung over the rims equally on every side.
