104 TREATMENT IX AUTUMN 



supports have many important features which are not 

 found in earlier makes. They are self-tying, uniformly 

 adjustable to the growing plant in height, suit any width 

 bench, pack flat when not in use and give ample room 

 between the rows to work the soil. Of course, it is hardly 

 possible that one design of a Carnation support will ever 

 be found which will suit all growers, but it is certain that 

 this country has already advanced farther in the develop- 

 ment of an ideal support than have our sister countries 

 across the water. Other forms of stakes or supports are 

 on the market and used by growers, as the coil support 

 and wire frames. 



DISBUDDING, WATERING AND FEEDING 



There are very few growers today who neglect to 

 disbud, yet frequently, in the rush of things, we are liable 

 to put the disbudding off" too long. This should be at- 

 tended to whenever the buds are large enough to get hold 

 of, and once a week is not too often to go over a bench of 

 thrifty plants. It pays to do it. Let the strength which 

 is required to develop these buds go into the one you want 

 for the flower. Keep the flower stem free of side buds or 

 shoots. All there should be on it is the one bud at the 

 end, which is the one to look forward to, to bring the 

 money. 



Feeding should be done regularly. The soil in the 

 benches is full of roots, and the plants are in need of extra 

 nourishment which has to be supplied if you need good 

 stems and large flowers to continue. Well decomposed 

 cow manure is always a good fertilizer. Next come bone, 

 sheep manure and wood ashes. Avoid heavy doses; rather 

 apply them oftener, and but little at a time. 



