THE CARNATION MANUAL. 7 



thus allowing the air to get to the base of the seed- 

 pod. If the calyx dies, as it often does, it may 

 with advantage be cut away, thus leaving the seed- 

 pod completely exposed to the air. 



If the autumn be cold and damp, and the plants 

 appear unequal to the proper ripening of their 

 seed, they may be roused to renewed activity by 

 putting them into a warmer atmosphere than that 

 of the Carnation-house. 



The seed may be expected to ripen about the 

 end of September, evidence of the fact being given 

 by the seed-pods assuming a brownish tint and 

 opening slightly at the apex. 



The seeds, when thoroughly ripe, are usually 

 black in colour, but sometimes the entire pod of 

 seeds will be of a creamy white, and these are as 

 good as the black ones. 



When gathered, the seed-pods should be spread 

 out in an airy place on sheets of clean paper to 

 thoroughly dry, and when in this condition the 

 seed may be readily separated from the pods. 



Great care should be taken to label every batch 

 of seed with the names of the parents. The 

 memory alone must under no circumstances be 

 relied on. 



But, when all is done, the cultivator must not 

 suppose that, although he may have taken infinite 

 pains to raise his seed from the best varieties, he 

 Avill necessarily reap a rich harvest of fine flowers. 



