THE CARNATION MANUAL. 51 



decided on as the flowering-quarters of the seed- 

 lings. Towards the end of the month these should 

 be sufficiently advanced to plant out. Let the bed 

 be well pressed down, plant firmly and rather 

 deep. 



As it will be found very useful to have a 

 " reserve " of seedlings from which to fill ugly gaps 

 that may be found in the seedling-bed in spring, 

 place such number as is required in 2i to 3-inch 

 pots (inside measure), and keep close in a cold 

 frame for ten days, after which they may be 

 turned out, and stand in any convenient corner 

 upon planks or ashes, where they will practically 

 take care of themselves during the summer. 



Towards the middle of the month it will be 

 well to give to every plant in the border its 

 flowering-stake. These should have been prepared 

 and painted at convenient times during the winter 

 months, and from this time forward, until the 

 plants have attained their full growth, the tying of 

 the flowering-stems will require continual attention. 

 It is not a task that can be finished off at once and 

 laid aside. 



If the soil is hot or dry, it will be well to give 

 the flowering stock a good mulching of thoroughly 

 well-rotted manure. It is a little untidy, but on 

 some soils is necessary. 



It wiU be better this month to set traps for that 

 most destructive of pests — the earwig. No device 



E 2 



