Show Carnations and Picotees. 53 
secure it against bursting along one side and thus 
rendering the flower useless. Small india-rubber 
bands are sometimes employed for the purpose, and 
should be slipped over the bud before expansion. All 
side buds should be removed as early as possible 
when it can be done without injury to the terminal 
one. Each plant, under this system, is allowed to 
bring only one flower to perfection, that is, two or 
three to the pot, according to the number of plants 
in it. Vigorous plants may bring two or three 
flowers to perfection if situated widely apart. 
If grown for purely decorative effect, for cut 
flowers or for the production of seed, very little, if 
any disbudding is necessary. In some cases the 
stalks of the lateral buds are very short and 
occasionally a flower or two will be too close to the 
top one to permit of equal or regular expansion. 
Under the circumstances the removal of these badly 
placed buds becomes a necessity and the grower 
néed not hesitate in the matter. About this time all 
healthy plants may be fed with weak liquid manure 
to advantage, especially if the compost is not over 
rich. In warm, dry weather the plants may fre- 
quently be syringed to assist in keeping them clear 
of insect pests, and maintain the vigour of the stem 
and foliage. 
Housing and Shading —During the first half of 
July the flowers begin to show colour, and the careful 
grower houses the plants. This is necessary to 
guard exhibition flowers against wind and rain. 
Should bright weather prevail at the time, the 
flowers will advance rapidly, and may be too early 
for the show. To prevent this they must be retarded 
by timely shading, which can be more easily, quickly, 
and effectively applied under glass than in the open. 
In dull, cloudy weather, on the contrary, the flowers 
have a difficulty in reaching perfection by the given 
time. Where and whenever shading is employed, a 
free circulation of air must still be maintained by 
ample ventilation. 
The best form of house for Carnations is a low, 
span-roofed structure, with a path down the middle 
and side benches for the plants. Open staging is 
best as it permits of a free circulation of air. For 
the sake of the foliage, the plants should be as close 
to the glass as the flower stems will permit. In 
larger or wider houses a central stage may be built 
