88 



THE CARNATION IX THE MIDLANDS. 



By R. Sydenham. 



Having been asked to contribute to this Manual some 

 notes of my experience as a Carnation grower, I sub- 

 mit the following with a hope that it may encourage 

 some to take up the cultivation of the Carnation 

 and Picotee who think they will grow only in pure 

 country air. It will be found that with ordinary 

 care they will succeed as well in the neighbour- 

 hood of large towns as in the country, as is shown 

 by so many fine flowers coming from the neigh- 

 bourhood of Clapham, Manchester, Bradford, 

 Sheffield, Birmingham, &c., groAvn in gardens 

 practically surrounded by houses or manufactories. 

 At the same time, it is well to point out that suc- 

 cess on the exhibition table is not acquired without 

 work, and love and enthusiasm for that work. 



My enthusiasm for these flowers began from 

 seeing two fine collections, and admiring the great 

 attention the owners bestowed upon them; and 

 my ambition was aroused to possess such a collec- 

 tion. I found that the best way to acquire the 

 necessary information was to visit all noted trade 

 and amateur growers when opportunity oliered. 



