78 CARNATIONS AND PINKS 



than 2 per cent, have failed. In about a month the 

 cuttings are sufficiently rooted, and are then taken 

 from the sand and planted in light and rich soil in 

 flats and placed in a light and airy house, or planted 

 on the benches. This applies to those growing large 

 numbers, as the grower who has a small quantity 

 would pot them up. They are encouraged to make 

 a sturdy growth in a temperature of 50 degrees, and 

 gradually hardened off to prepare them for planting out. 

 Early in May they are planted in the open ground in 

 rows, having a space of at least 18 inches between 

 them to admit of hoeing on the surface of the soil. 

 The main shoot is pinched to induce side breaks 

 either before or after planting, as the strength and 

 condition of the plants warrant. A second or third 

 pinching may be given to induce a bushy plant having 

 a number of shoots that will grow up later and 

 flower. 



" Whilst the young plants are in the field the houses 

 are prepared for their reception. The old plants that 

 have occupied the benches during the winter are 

 thrown out about the end of June, the benches being 

 thoroughly cleaned, repaired if necessary, and given 

 a good coat of lime-wash. They are then refilled with 

 fresh soil, which is prepared in advance. Those who 

 only require a small stock usually make up a compost 

 heap late in the previous summer, using turf if pro- 

 curable, and cow manure in proportion of about four 

 of soil to one of manure. Many of the growers with 

 large stocks have no available turf, but take the top soil 

 from their land, and previous to winter give it a heavy 



