The American Carnation. 123 
degenerate and produce grass but no flowers. The 
smaller shoots on the top of the flower stem should 
also be discarded. Very small and weak cuttings 
on any part of the plant should at once be rejected 
as unworthy of house room. 
Cuttings from the middle portion of the stem have 
been found from considerable experience to give the 
best results in the matter of healthy vigorous plants 
producing long flower stems. The cuttings are in 
the best condition for the production of roots when 
the plants are just commencing to open their flowers. 
They should be taken off with a heel of the old 
wood, by pulling them downwards with the fingers, 
The heel, if ragged may be slightly dressed with a 
sharp knife and a few of the old leaves removed. 
Only a moderate quantity of cuttings should be 
taken off at any one time, because they must be 
inserted before the leaves flag or wilt, as that is 
inimicai to their welfare. If this cannot be done 
immediately the cuttings should be placed in a cool 
house or shed, sprayed with cold water and covered 
with a damp mat. They will keep fresh under these 
conditions for one night, but must be inserted early 
next morning. Water with a rosed watering pot to 
settle the soil. 
During Winter 
at least, the cuttings should be kept in a house 
facing south, or as near that aspect as possible, 
because they are less liable to fungous attack than 
if the house faced the north, owing to the prevalence 
of moisture in the atmosphere and all parts of the 
building. Temporary shading with tiffany can 
always be erected to ward off bright sunshine when 
that occurs previous to the rooting of the cuttings. 
Shading is more particularly necessary in spring 
and early summer than in winter in our climate, but 
the careful propagator will always be prepared to fix 
it up and use it when necessary, and to remove it 
when the sun loses power. On dull, cloudy days 
shading is injurious rather than beneficial. Very 
dense shading is undesirable at any time. 
During bright weather the cuttings should be 
lightly sprayed in the morning and again in the 
afternoon to prevent flagging. Watering must not 
be overlooked at any time, but given when 
necessary. At the same time care must be exercised 
not to overdo it or damping of the cuttings will be 
the result. The atmosphere of the house should 
