18 PICTORIAL PRACTICAL CARNATION GROWING. 
the male element ; at the same time, the ovary of the seed bearer in 
an overfed, large bloom may become semi-petaloid and defective in 
the pistillate organs and ovules. The great thing is to secure pollen 
from well developed anthers displayed boldly. The stigmas of the 
pistil of the seed bearer should be well up above the petals, with 
their extremities somewhat curled, and their surface slightly 
roughened by a delicate down. 
Before the blooms expand hexagon netting should be placed over 
the ventilators to exclude bees, and thus prevent pollination from 
outside. The flowers should be kept dry, for under damp conditions 
the pollen is apt to be lumpy, whereas it should be light and easily 
removed from the anthers on the point of a camel hair brush. The 
meridian sun is usually the best under which to operate, as near 
midday in bright weather the pollen is driest and the stigma most 
clammy. A label attached to the bloom pollinated, stating from 
what plant the pollen was taken, is advisable in all cases. 
Fertilisation may not follow immediately after pollination, this 
depending upon the state of the stigmatic surface at the time of 
applying the pollen ; and though this will keep sound for days and 
even weeks, it sometimes occurs that the pollen first applied is not 
received, while a second, or even third, application effects fertilisation. 
When fertilisation is effected, the petals of the flower will-begin to 
shrink and droop within twenty-four hours ; therefore, if a pollinated 
bloom remains full and fresh a day or two after pollination, the 
process should be repeated. When the petals become shrivelled and 
dry they should be pulled out of the pod or calyx tube. Be careful 
not to damage the styles, but leave them intact; the seed pod or 
CROSS FERTILISATION. FIG. 6 (NEXT PAGE).—SHOW 
OR EXHIBITION FORM. 
T, bloom of a Flake Carnation as cut from the plant: d, stem; ¢, leaves or 
grass, from the axils of which the flower buds have been removed whilst 
quite small; /, perfect petals of the outer circle, called guard petals, 
ground white, colour running from the edge inwards; g, inner petals, 
gradually decreasing in size to the centre; 4, defective petals, which 
the “dresser” will carefully remove, readjusting the other petals, or 
discarding the bloom for exhibition; i, stigmas of pistillate organs, to 
‘ which pollen is to be applied. 
U, flower bud at the stage for close emasculation: /, basal bracts; 4, calyx; 
1, petals ; m, point of cutting through the calyx tube in order to remove 
the petals and stamens. 
V, flower bud U after close emasculation: 2, point where an incision has 
been made and the stamens removed, except two, which from their 
smallness were overlooked—as these may develop and mature pollen, 
they must also be removed; 0, small stamens; y, ovary or capsule; 4, 
styles; 7, stigmas, to which pollen is to be applied, 
Pollen, magnified. 
See also Chapter II. 
