155 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR TREE OR 



PERPETUAL FLOWERING CARNATIONS. 



By James Douglas. 



JANUARY. 



Begin this month to take cuttmgs. The slender 

 side-growths which may be obtained from the main 

 stem are the best ; shp them off with the fingers, 

 and plant them with little other preparation except 

 to remove the lower leaves. Plunge the pots of 

 cuttings in bottom-heat in a forcing-house, and to 

 prevent the flagging of the cuttings squares of glass 

 may be laid over them, resting upon the ends of 

 the labels which are used to distinguish the 

 varieties. This prevents rapid evaporation, and is 

 sufficient to keep the cuttings plump until roots 

 are formed. The temperature of the forcing-house 

 should be about 55^. Plant the cuttings firmly in 

 sandy loam and leaf-mould ; a thin layer of sand 

 ought to be laid on the surface before putting in 

 the cuttings. The soil should be kept moderately 

 moist ; if too dry the cuttings may dry up, and if 

 too wet they may rot. Some varieties will form 

 roots in three weeks or so, others will take six 

 weeks or more ; and as this difference exists it is 

 best to put not more than one variety in a pot. 



