108 PICTORIAL PRACTICAL CARNATION GROWING. 
harmful. The exclusion of frost and the dissipation of damp are the 
most that will be needed of the pipes, which, therefore, must not be 
kept hot. Drip bars are advisable, as by carrying the condensed 
moisture down to the eaves drip on the plants, with all its attendant 
evils, is avoided. 
A larger house may be 18 feet wide, and have a broad central and 
two narrow side stages. This makesa splendid show house, and the 
plants can be seen tothe fullest advantage. One yearold plants may 
be put on the stages, and older, larger specimens on the central stage. 
In both houses it will be observed that internal woodwork is 
reduced to a minimum. 
General Cultural Hints. 
Constant watchfulness must be exercised in watering and venti- 
lating throughout the winter, and particular care must be taken to 
give water only when it is really necessary. The hollow ringing of 
the pot when“rapped is the best call for water, and this may not 
happen for several weeks in the dull season. Even after fresh 
growth begins in late winter water should be sparingly applied. In 
spring give more water, with a little weak liquid manure twice 
a week, and be as careful not to allow the plants to suffer from 
drought when the flower stems are rising as you were to avoid over- 
watering in December. During bright sunshine shade will be 
required, or the colour will be “washy.” The light substance known 
as tiffany, which is procurable from all horticultural sundriesmen and 
many seedsmen, is suitable. 
_Here, then, is the culture of the noble and fragrant Malmaison 
epitomised and practically illustrated. Assuredly the flower is 
worthy of the trouble entailed. 
TREE OR PERPETUAL SECTION. FIG. 52 (NEXT PAGE).—RAISING 
FROM CUTTINGS. 
A, a strong side or top growth not generally suitable for a cutting because 
a, the base is too firm and not likely to push roots freely; 6, the crown 
has clustered leaves, usually indicative of pushing a flowering stem. 
B, a portion of a plant with short, stubby side shoots good for cuttings: ¢, 
side growths from the main stem, always to be given preference; d, side 
shoots more prone to pushing flowering stems early than healthy 
growths from the main stem. 
C, side growth slipped off with the fingers, the lower leaves removed: e, the 
base pared smooth and cut transversely, f; g, depth of insertion. 
D, a section of a 4-inch pot showing the proper insertion of the cuttings: h, 
drainage ; i, thin layer of moss; /, rough parts of the compost; /, soil; 
1, surfacing of silver sand about } inch deep ; m, cuttings firmly inserted, 
being careful to let the cutting rest on the bottom of the hole; , space 
for water. 
E, cutting pots plunged in bottom heat (70° to 75°): 0, cocoanut fibre 
refuse, sifted spent tan, or other open material; py, a square of glass 
resting on the labels, 
