THE CARNATION MANUAL. 85 



It must be eased on one side, the points of the 

 calyx must be turned down, and, if inclined to 

 burst, must be lightly tied with a piece of raffia, 

 and green-fly must be brushed off if the bloom 

 is to attain perfection. As the bud commences 

 to swell I give a dose of well-diluted liquid 

 manure two or three times a week ; and as I know 

 the soil has not been highly stimulated, I am 

 able to give my plants more than I otherwise 

 could. 



When the blooms begin to show colour I move 

 them into the Carnation-house, where they are 

 safe from rain. As the show-day approaches, the 

 blooms must be retarded or quickened as may be 

 required ; although, if the weather is dull and cold, 

 it is a difficult matter to make them open quickly. 

 It is easy to keep back early bloomers by moving 

 them into a shady corner ; and I have kept back 

 blooms of" Sybil," R F., in this way for three weeks, 

 and then used it for exhibition. I generally cut my 

 blooms for the show two days before, and place 

 them in water, as by this means they become easier 

 to "dress." The art of "dressing" Carnations is 

 one that not many growers are masters of; many 

 persons over-dress ; and what is the consequence ? — 

 the blooms do not last. I have seen many of my 

 own blooms go over from that cause, so that my 

 advice to the beginner is to moderate his zeal 

 in this respect, and " under-dress " his flowers. 



