60 THE CARNATION MANUAL. 



potted up in small pots in light fibrous loam, to 

 whicli may be added about a fifth part of good 

 sweet-leaf mould, if obtainable. They should be 

 placed at the sides of the pot, with some coarse 

 silver sand at the base of the layer to encourage 

 the emission of roots. Two may be placed in a pot. 

 They should be sprinkled and placed in a cold 

 frame, shaded from bright sun, and kept closed 

 down for three or four weeks, until they appear to 

 be established. They may be planted out the 

 following February or March. 



In localities where the soil is wet or badly 

 drained, it is better — in fact, necessary — to pot up 

 the stock in small pots, and winter the plants in a 

 cold frame, following the detail in this matter which 

 will be presently given in dealing with pot-culture. 

 They should be planted out where they are to 

 flower, about the end of February or some time in 

 March, according as the weather may prove favour- 

 able for the operation. 



To return to our autumn-planted layers. By the 

 end of April or beginning of May, according to the 

 season, the plants will begin to throw up the main 

 stem or to " spindle," as it is called, and will soon 

 afterwards want staking and tying as they grow on. 

 Green fly and spittle fly must be watched for and 

 promptly destroyed. 



Early in June a surface-dressing of rotted 

 manure will be found serviceable in promoting 



