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always command better prices in the cut flower market 
but do not produce as many blooms to the plantas the : 
other varieties. In a fine Carnation the stem must be 
strong, tall and straight; the footstalks supporting the 
fiower should be strong, elastic, and of a propoitionate 
length. The corolla should be at least two inches in 
diameter, consisting of a great number of well formed 
petals, but neither so many as to give it a full and 
crowded appearance, nor so few as to make it appear too 
thin and empty. The petals should be long, broad and 
substantial, particularly those on the lower or outer 
circle, commonly called guard leaves. These should rise 
perpendicularly about half an inch above the calyx, and 
then turn off gracefully in a horizontal direction, sup- 
porting the interior petals, and altogether forming a 
convex and nearly hemispherical corolla. The interior 
petals should rather decrease in size as they approach the 
centre of the flower, which should be well filled with 
them. The calyx should be at least one inch in length, 
terminating with broad points sufficiently strong to hold 
the narrow bases of the petals in a close and circular body 
without bursting. Varieties with a weak calyx that 
easly burst are not desirable. 
My lady comes tripping lightly 
Adown the garden walks, 
Swinging her garden seissors, 
(We tremble on our stalks,) 
Saying “what shall I wear to-night? 
Here’s a Rose, 
There are Pinks, 
Lilies too ;” 
She stops and thinks!? 
Were ever eyes so clear and bright? 
‘““Which of all does he like best ?” 
She softly smiles and sings; 
