50 THE CARNATION MANUAL. 



If the reserves will permit of it, do not hesitate 

 to replace sickly or weak plants, for it is certain 

 that they will produce no blooms worth having, if 

 indeed they do not die outright later on. 



About the middle of this month sow seed. It 

 should be sown in pans thinly, and kept in a mild 

 hotbed — say of temperature 85° to 90" — until it 

 germinates, after which the pans should be at once 

 removed to an intermediate house. 



APRIL. 



In ordinary seasons the plants in the borders 

 will now be showing signs of active hfe, and the 

 Dutch hoe should be kept going. 



During the early part of the month prepare 

 boxes and compost required for the pricking off of 

 the seedhngs sown during March. These will 

 probably be ready for removal from the seed-pans 

 about the middle of the month, when they have 

 formed their first rough leaf. 



Prick off three inches apart, and replace in the 

 green-house. (For detailed instructions see the 

 body of this work.) 



Take care that the seedlings are accurately 

 labelled with the names of the parents. 



The beds for the reception of these seedlings 

 may be prepared this month. 



MAY. 



If not already done, prepare at once the borders 



