THE CARNATION MANUAL. 161 



the glass-roof. A spon-roofed or half-span house is 

 preferable to a lean-to, as the circulation of air is 

 not free enough in the latter. A rather dry 

 atmosphere is best, and a minimum temperature 

 of about 55^'. This we sometimes have without 

 artificial heat. 



NOVEMBER. 



This month artificial heat is necessary con- 

 stantly, and the minimum temperature should be 

 kept up to 55*^ ; but air must be admitted daily, 

 except when dense, poisonous fogs hang over the 

 houses. The Carnation loves fresh air, and should 

 have as free an admission of it into the houses in 

 which they are grown as it is possible to give them. 

 Be careful with the water ; see that no plants are 

 watered unless they are well on the dry side. Use 

 rain-water if possible, and rather warmer than the 

 temperature of the house. Be careful not to spill 

 water about. Some, otherwise good gardeners, do 

 not seem capable of watering a plant without running- 

 half of it over the rims of the pots, and a waste of 

 water is not all the mischief done by such care- 

 lessness. 



DECEMBER. 



During this month, as well as through the early 

 months of the year, we look for a reward of weeks 

 and months of incessant care, and well do the plants 

 repay us by a glorious wealth of bloom. Nearly 

 thirty years ago I tried to have Tree Carnations 



