100 PICTORIAL PRACTICAL CARNATION GROWING. 
The plants may be turned out of the pots and put in separate 
oles, or in a shallow trench dug across the enclosure, far enough 
apart for the shoots to be spread out for layering without crowding. 
The plants may be one year, two years, or more old. The old 
flowering stem should be removed, also the old foliage near the base 
of the plant, but the growing point must be retained, as it is to form 
the future plant. 
When the plants have been placed in position a layer of fresh soil 
3 inches in depth may be spread over the bed amongst them, for 
layering in. It may consist of loam, leaf mould, and sand. The best 
growths to choose for layers‘are those of a sturdy, tufted nature, as a 
long, bare stem is objectionable. Very weak, small shoots should be 
removed. The tongues may be made in the way advised ina previous 
chapter, and the shoots fastened down wlth Sydenham’s galvanised 
iron layering pin, or by some other selected means. 7 
When the layering is finished a gentle watering may be given, the 
lights put on, and shade given in sunny weather. Keep the frame 
close, the soil moist but not sodden, and continue the shading 
as required until the shoots freshen up; then give a little air, and 
steadily increase it as signs of growth become more and more 
apparent. In fine weather the lights may be removed altogether, and 
kept off during light showers, but should be replaced if drenching 
rains come on. This course of treatment will result in sturdy, 
healthy plants. 
Potting. 
The difference between plants from well-selected and well- 
prepared layers, and those from poor, leggy material, is well seen 
when the time comes for potting. The former will show but little 
CULTURE OF MALMAISONS. FIG. 47 (NEXT PAGE).—SHIFTING INTO 
THE FLOWERING POT. 
L, section of a 6-inch pot, into which a sturdy, vigorous plant is shifted from 
the 4-inch pot at the end of September: w, Invincible crock placed over 
aperture; 7, drainage; y, thin layer of moss; z, rough parts of compost; 
a, tall of soil and roots; 4, new soil made very firm ; ¢, space for water ; 
d, young growths appearing at the base of the plant; e, growing point, 
from which the flowering stem springs in due course. 
M, a somewhat tall plant put into a 6-inch pot, showing the advantage of 
staking at the first potting: jf, drainage ; g, soil; /, ball; i, space for 
water; /, stake. 
N,a tall plant put into a 6-inch pot: &, drainage; /, soil; m, ball; », space 
for water ; 0, the head of the plant leaning because it was not secured 
to a stake at the time of the first potting, generally inadvisable, though 
sometimes desirable, in order to cause grass to push from joints at the 
base, p, for propagating purposes —indeed, in the case of some very 
floriferous varieties it is necessary to head down the plant to secure 
growth for layering, foregoing flowering for a season; g, point of 
cutting down to cause grass to push. 
