Calendar of Operations for All Classes. 177 
the enemy can be detected in time the base of the 
layer may be saved, even if the top has been cut off. 
Some compost should be got ready to pot up a 
reserve of layers to fill vacancies in spring. Even in 
town gardens and where the soil is too heavy for 
autumn planting, all the layers required and some 
for a reserve will have to be put in 3in. pots. Some 
of the strongest layers may require a slightly larger 
pot and others a size smaller. Overpotting should 
be avoided, and in tnis the cultivator must exercise 
his judgment. 1she requisite number should be got 
ready. 
Show Carnations and Picotees. 
During this month the directions given for border 
Carnations will also apply here, the chief difference 
being that all of the plants intended for exhibition 
are grown in pots. Enthusiastic growers who like 
to be well forward with their work complete the 
operation of potting up the layers curing the last 
ten days of the month. Where layering was com- 
menced during the last week of July there will be 
no difficulty in the South if watering was properly 
attended to. Previous to tnis the list of stock should 
have been made out, and the desired number of 
plants of each variety tabulated so that the work 
may proceed without let or hindrance when the 
proper time arrives. 
Before lifting the layers it should be ascertained 
whether they are properly rooted, otherwise a check 
will be given by too early severance from the parent. 
Pot firmly and in pots of moderate size, for over- 
potting is a great evil. Place the pots in a cold 
frame, keeping the sashes close for a few days and 
shading from bright sunshine till the roots commence 
to take hold of the soil. If the roots run freely 
round the sides of the pots before winter the plants 
will keep all the better. Water moderately, especi- 
ally if the roots are yet but feebly developed. 
Some varieties take longer to root than others, 
and may be potted and placed in a gentle bottom- 
heat to encourage root-formation. In the case of 
badly executed work and no roots have formed by 
the end of September, the shoots may be relayered, 
making the cuts carefully and using fresh soil on 
the top. The layers may remain on the plants till 
spring. The end of September is the time to get 
new varieties from the nurserymen. 
