130 CARNATIONS IN MISSOURI 



throughout February. The first batch when rooted is 

 potted into 2}^^ In. pots, in good loamy soiL By handling 

 in this way the firm in question does not have to shift the 

 stock until it is ready for planting in the field. The plants, 

 however, are fed with liquid manure six weeks after being 

 potted, and this treatment is continued weekly until the 

 operation of planting in the field, which takes place usually 

 early in April. 



Slat houses are not used, but ordinary greenhouses. 

 Preparation for benching begins in July by the filling of 

 the benches, and housing takes place usually about Aug. i. 

 The planting is rushed as rapidly as possible until it is 

 completed. Very little shading is used on the glass, and 

 these growers assert that they prefer a dry season for 

 housing, as this causes the plants to take hold of the new 

 soil more readily. 



In regard to varieties, nothing surpasses the old 

 Enchantress in this section, but some of the newer kinds 

 are being tested. Northport is found to be very superior; 

 Mrs. C. W. Ward is the standard variety of its color, while 

 for a scarlet or red, the old Victory is still grown, together 

 with Beacon, Commodore and Scarlet Glow. An entirely 

 satisfactory red for here, however, has not yet been pro- 

 cured. These general conditions, so far as propagation, 

 field culture and benching are concerned, hold good general- 

 ly throughout this State and section. 



ST. LOUIS AND MISSOURI REGION 



In speaking of the Carnation industry in the locality 

 of St. Louis, Mo., we shall endeavor, first, to take up 

 the varieties grown for this market; second, to out- 

 line in a general way the establishments contributing 



