CHAPTER XIII 



Exhibiting and Judging Carnations 



In selecting blooms for the exhibition tables, one should 

 endeavor to get every flower as nearly alike as possible. 

 Color should be the first consideration, with size next. 

 Nothing detracts from a good vase of blooms more than a 

 few off colored or faded ones mixed in. It does not matter 

 how good they are in size, badly colored blooms will surely 

 kill the whole lot. 



Size, of course, counts to a great extent, and we are of 

 opinion that judges often err in placing size before every 

 other consideratoin, especially before a good, compact bloom. 

 The writer's ideal of a good Carnation for the exhibition 

 table is Rosette. It is quite large enough. It is of perfect 

 form, good substance and stem, and has grand keeping 

 qualities, which, of course, is accounted for by its substance. 



Next to size we place stem. The stems should be 

 selected as evenly as possible, straight and long, without 

 getting down on the plant too much, or into the hard wood. 

 When hard wood is cut the blooms will not keep; it is 

 impossible for them to assimilate sufficient water. 



Fragrance, of course, is always acceptable in Carna- 

 tions, but is not necessary. How many of us consider 

 fragrance when looking over Carnations? If everything 

 in form, color, stem and calyx is good, never mind fragrance, 

 so far as exhibiting for prizes is concerned. 



