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._