THE CARNATION MANUAL. 79 



the acme of pleasure in the growth and cultivation 

 of the Carnation, or any other flower, for thereby 

 the aim is high — higher, in fact, there cannot be, 

 for the flowers have to pass the severest of 

 criticisms, viz., that of the judges. 



In the following remarks on the routine of 

 culture required to bring the Carnation to per- 

 fection, it is possible I may be at variance with 

 some of my brother florists in my methods ; but, as 

 the value of the " Manual " consists in the variety 

 of experiences related therein, I trust that, if I am 

 considered a little radical, it will be borne in mind 

 that, for a young grower, I have been fairly suc- 

 cessful. 



Having assumed that the would-be florist has 

 taken for his " hobby " the Carnation, I will try 

 and explain what should be his mode of procedure. 



He has been, perhaps, to one of the exhibitions, 

 and taken his notes from the leading prize-stands 

 of the lists of varieties he intends to grow. 



Early in August he should send his orders for 

 plants to some reliable florist or nurseryman, who 

 makes the Carnation a speciality. By sending 

 orders thus early, there is a better chance of 

 obtaining scarce varieties, and of getting the plants 

 home early: having prepared the soil for their 

 winter growth, Avhich I make up in about the fol- 

 lowing proportions (such proportions of course 

 depending on the staple of the compost) : one- 



