PROPAGATING HOUSES 219 



frame construction. But the difference in cost above this 

 width is relatively so small as not to warrant the semi-iron 

 construction. All-wood constructions are practically out 

 of date. But whatever house is built, success must neces- 

 sarily, in the long run, depend on the skill of the individual 

 grower. 



PROPAGATING HOUSES 



One of the most important adjuncts to the successful 

 cultivation of Carnations is a suitable propagating house. 

 For the average establishment there seems to be no apparent 

 necessity just yet to break away from the old, time-honored 

 lean-to on the north side of another building or wall. 

 Where the width will permit, a bench can be at either side 

 of a walk of sufficient width to permit of a wheelbarrow 

 being used to facilitate the work of taking the sand in and 

 out. These benches should not be more than 3 ft. in width. 

 Such a house is more easily managed and regulated as 

 regards watering and temperature; watering and spraying 

 is reduced to a minimum, thus diminishing the possibilities 

 of the development of cutting bench fungus. Where the 

 benches are built of cypress, take the ordinary precaution 

 of drying-out the bench for a few days after being thorough- 

 ly washed down preceding a crop, and give it a good coat 

 of limewash, adding to each pail of limewash a handful of 

 flowers of sulphur. 



The heating pipes should be under control and carried 

 on stringers attached to the legs of the bench or on a hanger 

 strung from the cross bearer. This permits of a better 

 distribution of the heat than when carried along the legs 

 of the bench. The best bench is one constructed of con- 

 crete, with either flat, porous tile or brick bottom. 



If this type of house is not possible in connection with 



