=The Softwood Cutting.=--The softwood cutting is made from tissue that is still growing, or at least from that which is not dormant. _It comprises one or two joints, with a leaf attached_ (Figs. 158, 159). It must not be allowed to wilt. Therefore, it must be _protected from direct sunlight and dry air until it is well established; and if it has many leaves, some of them should be removed, or at least cut in two, in order to reduce the evaporating surface_. The soil should be uniformly moist. The pictures show the depth to which the cuttings are planted. For most plants, the proper age or maturity of wood for the making of cuttings may be determined by giving the _twig a quick bend: if it snaps and hangs by the bark, it is in proper condition; if it bends without breaking, it is too young and soft or too old; if it splinters, it is too old and woody_. The tips of strong upright shoots usually make the best cuttings. Preferably, each cutting should have a joint or node near its base; and if the internodes are very short it may comprise two or three joints. _The stem of the cutting is inserted one third or more its length in clean sand or gravel, and the earth is pressed firmly about it._ A newspaper may be laid over the bed to exclude the light--if the sun strikes it--and to prevent too rapid evaporation. The soil should be moist clear through, not on top only. [Illustration: FIG. 160.--CUTTING-BOX.] _Loose sandy or gravelly soil is used._ Sand used by masons is good material in which to start most cuttings; or fine gravel--sifted of most of its earthy matter--may be used. Soils are avoided which contain much decaying organic matter, for these soils are breeding places of fungi, which attack the soft cutting and cause it to “damp off,” or to die at or near the surface of the ground. If the cuttings are to be grown in a window, put three or four inches of the earth in a shallow box or a pan. A soap box cut in two lengthwise, so that it makes a box four or five inches deep--as a gardener’s flat--is excellent (Fig. 160). Cuttings of common plants, as geranium, coleus, fuchsia, carnation, are kept at a living-room temperature. As long as the cuttings look bright and green, they are in good condition. It may be a month before roots form. When roots have formed, the plants begin to make new leaves at the tip. Then they may be transplanted into other boxes or into pots. The verbena in Fig. 161 is just ready for transplanting. [Illustration: FIG. 161.--VERBENA CUTTING READY FOR TRANSPLANTING.]