66 CARNATIONS AND PINKS 



affected by the growths surrounding them ; not so, 

 however, in town gardens, where all the light and air 

 possible are needful. Begin weeding early, before the 

 weeds flower and rob the soil of nourishment, and 

 also keep the ground loose, especially in dry weather. 

 Perhaps most important of all is a mulch of manure 

 when the buds are showing, and place it round the 

 clump of plants, as it keeps the roots moist, stimulates 

 growth, and improves the flowers. Staking will also 

 need attention, but with the improved appliances now 

 this is a simple business. The best stakes are made of 

 twisted wire, and the stems of the Carnations should 

 be intertwined ; tying is not necessary. Paint the 

 stakes a quiet green colour, and let them give sufficient 

 support without obtrusion. This is easily accom- 

 plished with a little practice. The old wooden stakes 

 were always painfully evident, and the Carnation 

 garden is not beautiful where an array of white sticks 

 almost hides the flowers. Watering is a very im- 

 portant operation in the town garden, and in summer 

 the soil dries more quickly than in the country. 

 Choose the cool of the evening for watering, and give 

 plenty to prevent the ill-effects that come from driblets. 

 It is almost better not to water a plant at all than to 

 merely sprinkle the surface, which simply means that 

 the roots are attracted to the surface and burnt by the 

 hot sun. It is far from our wish to discourage the 

 town garden, but unless the rules set out here are 

 followed, it would be better to gravel over the beds and 

 borders and save much vexation of spirit and wasted 

 outlay. 



