THE CARNATION MANUAL. 103 



Generally when plants suffer from frost or damp 

 in the winter, it is because of their imperfect 

 rooting, which renders them unable to stand the 

 extremes they are subjected to. Losses are sure to 

 take place in the best cultivated collections, and 

 the young grower must not lose heart if he sees 

 some of his plants fading away. Many causes may 

 lead to such losses, especially if new stock has been 

 acquired; — difference in methods of culture, different 

 climatic influences, bad and weakly growers, late 

 potting, and so on. It is a singular thing that 

 plants obtained from the North of England are, for 

 the first year, invariably later in blooming and 

 growth than those procured nearer home. One 

 Avould naturally expect them to make an earlier 

 growth, under the influence of a warmer climate, 

 and I can only account for it by supposing that 

 they need time to get acclimatised. 



Complete the preparation of soil for the bloom- 

 ing-pots, keeping a sharp look-out for wire-worm, 

 etc., when turning it over. 



FEBRUARY. 



Prepare the pots for blooming, and commence 

 to get everything in readiness for potting. Still go 

 over the plants constantly, keeping them clean and 

 attending to their wants. Replace all losses by 

 despatching orders early, and, whenever possible, 

 stipulate that they be delivered in their winter 



