The American Carnation. 119 
may elect to grow their plants entirely in pots, re- 
potting them as often as this becomes necessary 
until the flowering size is reached, as discussed under 
Pat ree Carnations.” 
Flowering of Seedlings. 
The earliest batches, sown in February, should 
commence flowering at the end of July or the 
beginning of August, especially the more precocious 
seedlings, that is, those which are naturally early 
bloomers. This will prove an exciting time to the 
ardent or enthusiastic plantsman, who will now be 
on the outlook for the most promising varieties, 
worthy of further trial. The largest, best formed 
and most fully double flowers as well as the most 
desirable colours should be selected and labelled 
with the number marked upon the label correspond- 
ing to that recorded in the book containing the 
history of the various crosses made. The stems 
should be long and stout or firm and wiry to meet 
the requirements of floral decoration. Over and 
above all, the calyx must be long, firm and not hable 
to burst irregularly, as by this alone the fortune of — 
the flower may be made or marred. The habit of 
the plant must be good, branching freely or pro- 
ducing plenty of grass, and the constitution of the 
plant must be vigorous. Free and _ continuous 
blooming properties, and petals of good substance, 
are also indispensable. It is rare to find all these 
desirable points centred in one plant ; consequently 
a very large proportion of the seedlings may be at 
once discarded after the first flush of flowers has 
expanded. Where the plantation is a large one the 
grower will be on the alert every day, keeping the 
seedlings under close observation till the whole of 
them have come into bloom, or at least, while the 
weather continues sufficiently mild to permit the ex- 
pansion of the flowers. The best varieties should be 
lifted from time to time, immediately their qualities 
have been determined, potted up and transferred at 
once to a greenhouse where they should be kept 
moist and shaded till they have taken to the fresh 
soil. This work should be continued throughout 
August and September, during which time the stock 
transferred to the greenhouse may be of consider- 
able extent. Those in the field which have not 
bloomed by the middle of October may be dis- 
regarded as late and shy bloomers. 
Under glass the seedlings should have similar 
treatment to that accorded the standard or named 
