CHAPTER VI. 



CARNATIONS IN THE FIELD— PREPARATIONS FOR THEIR FIELD 



LIFE-THE SANITARIUM FOR CARNATIONS-PRECAUTIONS 



AGAINST FAILURE— NUMBER OF PLANTS GROWN 



TO AN ACRE. 



THERE has been a profusion of literature about the soil suit- 

 ed to the carnation plant. With data gathered through 

 years and as comprehensive as the carnation field of 

 America, the author is not disposed to attach to the soil the import- 

 ance that has been given to it. Soil is the most tangible thing an 

 observer sees to ascribe success, or failure with carnations, which 

 is the source of its prominence. 



It is an unquestioned fact that carnations reach high develop- 

 ment in sandy loam, limestone, argillacious and micaceous soils. 

 The Massachusetts experimental station has grown superior carna- 

 tions in coal ashes and peat. Every carnation grower has his pre- 

 ferred soil, and it is always the kind in which he has made a success 

 in growing them. My ideal carnation field would be a sandy loam 

 with an adhesive element of clay, with a northern inclination. 



There are but few points on which American carnation grow- 

 ers are a unit. One is that the plants should be set in the field 

 for summer growth as soon as the condition of the ground and 

 weather in the spring will permit. 



The open field is the sanitarium of carnation plants. It 

 brings them for a time in close touch with the great healthy heart 

 of nature where they receive a fresh baptism in the eternal flame 

 of life. Mythology says that Antaeus received new strength every 

 time he kissed his mother earth. In the ratio of distance, in treat- 

 ment or geography, plants are removed from their normal condi- 

 tions and natural habit, the}^ sport. Their natures become infertile 

 and they refuse to continue their species; the carnation is largely 

 seedless as most all double flowers are. 



