98 Select Carnations, Picotees, and Pinks. 
Potting the Cuttings and Layers. 
Get ready the necessary number of pots, 3in. to 
341n. in diameter, accoraing to the size of the young 
plants, and have them carefully crocked. One 
rooted layer is sufficient for a pot, and all those too 
small to fill it properly should be discarded unless 
stock of any particular variety is scarce. 
For the first potting use a compost of good fibrous, 
mellow loam, and leaf soil in equal portions with 
sufficient clean silver sand to render it porous. The 
finer portions of the compost should be placed 
immediately over the roots, unless the latter carry a 
good ball of soil, which they should do. Pot firmly 
and take the plants in batches to a cold frame or 
other structure where they can be kept close and 
shaded till the roots have commenced to move in 
the fresh soil. If the latter was properly moist when 
being used no water should be given for a few days; 
but the grower must use his own discretion and not 
allow the soil to get too dry or the young roots will 
get crippled. The weather by this time may be 
warm or even hot and even though shaded the soil 
will sooner part with its moisture than in spring. 
When the soil begins to get dry give a good water- 
ing, using a rosed watering-pot to settle the soil, 
thus avoiding the risk of washing it out of the pots 
by watering through the open spout. When the 
grower has evidence that the plants have taken 
kindly to the soil, a little ventilation should be given 
and gradually increasea. Shading at the same time 
should be discontinued. 
When the roots have reached the sides of the pots 
and before they become matted, another shift should 
be given into 4$1n. or 5in. pots. Large shifts are 
undesirable, and these sizes will be sufficient to keep 
them growing. If young plants are allowed to 
become pot bound they get stunted in growth. A 
third potting should be given when the roots are 
again well through the soil and beginning to curve 
round the pots. This time 6in. and 7in. pots should 
be employed if the size and vigour of any of the 
plants warrant the larger size. By giving three 
shifts of gradually increasing size, the soil is kept 
sweet until the roots are ready to take possession. 
When the stems begin to run up they should be 
staked to avoid accident. The plants may remain 
