16 THE CARNATION MANUAL. 



something after the nature of that recommended 

 for cuttings. Should the, soil about the roots be 

 dry, give a good soaking of water, and allow it 

 to drain away before filliug the pot with fresh 

 soil. The new compost should be raised up 

 to the level of the rim, but pressed somewhat 

 firmly as the work of filling proceeds. Pegs are 

 necessary to fasten the layers securely down into 

 the soil. Those made of fern are usually employed ; 

 it is also possible to obtain pegs made of flexible 

 wire: and these, being much more durable, are 

 cheapest in the end. Then the layerer, taking the 

 trimmed shoot lirmly between the thumb and 

 forefinger of his left hand, thrusts his knife, the 

 blade of which should be small, narrow, and 

 sharpened on both sides, through the third or 

 fourth joint, bringing it out at the back by means 

 of a clean and rapid cut ; the tongue of the layer 

 is shortened, if necessary, it is then pressed gently 

 down into the fresh soil, and secured by means of 

 a peg. When the whole of the layers are laid 

 down — and they generally are made to form a 

 fringe round the inner rim of the pot — the surface 

 soil should be levelled ofi' and the surface made 

 neat. 



Some shoots are too high up on the plant to 

 be able to bend them low enough to layer in the 

 ordinary way. A zinc rim, two or three inches 

 in depth, can be fitted to the pots, filled with soil, 



