The Ideal Carnation 



out of the calyx and turn at right angles to the stem, spreading broadly and 

 evenly and firmly supporting the center mass of petals, which should forni a 

 semi-circular periphery. A firm calyx that does not burst is always a neces- 

 sary adjunct of a good carnation. 



Habit is also all important, because it controls the stem and determines 

 what sort of a crop of flowers we may expect. The habit should be vigor- 

 ous, but not gross or coarse. The stem should be stiff, wiry and strong 

 enough to hold the bloom erect, but not rigidly upright. The growth should 

 be compact, grass not too coarse ; and the plant should be a rapid yet firm 

 grower and an early, free and continuous bloomer. 



General Appearance of the blooms should also have consideration, in- 

 asmuch as many varieties deficient in form and appearance when taken as 

 single flowers are very useful and valuable when massed in quantities. 



Size : You will wonder why I have not given Size a more prominent 

 position, and why I leave it until the last. Well, the reason is just this : I 

 fear that too much prominence has already been given to the size of carna- 

 tion flowers, and that in the end we may commit the error of producing 

 coarse blooms, deficient in fragrance and grace, and thereby impair the 

 popularity of our carnations. Flowers two to two-and-a-half inches in 

 diameter are large enough for ordinary carnations, and two-and-a-half to 

 three-and-a-half inch blooms, with an occasional ''Jumbo," four inches across, 

 should satisfy the craving for large size. 



^ I perhaps ought to refrain from naming any varieties possessing superior 

 merit as perfect carnations, but if one wishes examples. Governor Roosevelt, 

 for form and stem, might be cited, while Prosperity, though of a different 

 type, possesses splendid form and is large enough to suit all requirements. 



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231 



