THE CARXATION MANUAL. 27 



When filling up the vacancies, remove all ailing 

 or crippled plants ; they will do no good in the 

 ensuing summer, if they do not die outright before 

 the blooming season. 



It is necessary after frost to examine the plants. 

 It will often be found that the frost has loosened 

 and lifted them, and that a considerable proportion 

 will require firmly setting down again into their 

 places. 



Spring Treatment.' — Beyond keeping the sur- 

 face of the border clean and open, there is little to 

 be done until the plants begin to make their growth. 

 The staking and tying should then be at once 

 attended to, as an hour or two of rough wind may 

 do irreparable damage. Care should be taken in 

 tying that the bass is not fastened to the stake, 

 but left loose so that it may slip up with the 

 growth of the flower stem, which may (indeed Avill) 

 be permanently crippled by a neglect of this pre- 

 caution. It is well to paint the flower stakes some 

 dark colour ; it preserves them, and prevents the 

 unsightly appearance presented by a forest of white 

 sticks. 



In tying it is not necessary to include the grass ; 

 the floAver stems alone need support. To leave 

 the foliage in its natural position makes it much 

 easier to layer later on. 



Towards the end of May it will be found 

 advisable, especially on light hot soils, to mulch 



