CARNATION GROWING IN AMERICA 79 



dressing of stable manure and plough this in. In 

 spring the ground is again manured, usually with 

 bone, and wood ashes are in much favour ; or in 

 some cases lime only is used, and the soil is ploughed 

 two or three times during the early summer months, 

 then carted to the houses and wheeled in upon the 

 benches. 



"A critical time for the grower is when the plants 

 have to be transplanted from the field to the house. 

 The time varies according to the date at which it is 

 desirable to have flowers, but of late years, and in- 

 dependent of this, growers are planting earlier than 

 formerly. Some begin in July, and the majority now 

 plant in August. The plants are carefully lifted, 

 taken to the house, and planted upon the benches 

 about I foot apart, the distance varying a little either 

 way in accordance with the growth of the variety. 

 Care must be taken not to plant them deeper than 

 they were originally, and as soon as planted they 

 must have a thorough watering. A light shade is 

 given for a few days, a minimum of ventilation, and 

 a moist atmosphere maintained until new growth is 

 apparent, when the shading is gradually removed and 

 additional ventilation is given. When once established 

 they will enjoy all the light and air that can be sup- 

 plied, with a night temperature of 55 degrees and a 

 rise of 10 degrees by day. Several very successful 

 growers are now experimenting with a view to obviate 

 planting in the open ground. They have cleared out 

 their houses at an earlier date, and transferred the 

 young plants direct to newly tilled benches. The 



