June and July.'] OF XAYING CARNATIONS, &c. 113 



flower two inches and a half in diameter; petals rose 

 edges ; colour white and pure purple, or rich crimson ; the 

 nearer it approaches to black the more is it esteemed; pro- 

 portions equal as in carnation. Those that are very taste- 

 ful with these flowers are attentive to the manner of their 

 opening. Where the calyx is deficient in regular expan- 

 sion, to display the petals ; that is, where there is a tend- 

 ency to burst open on one side more than on the other, the 

 opposite side in two or three different indentations should 

 be slit a little at several times with the point of a small 

 sharp knife, taking care not to cut the petals, and about the 

 centre of the calyx tie a thread three or four times round to 

 prevent any further irregularity. Some florists and con- 

 noisseurs place cards on them. This is done when the calyx 

 is small. Take a piece of thin pasteboard, about the size of 

 a dollar, cut a small aperture in its centre to admit the bud 

 to pass through. When on, tie it tight to the rod, to pre- 

 vent the wind from.blowing it about ; and when the flower 

 is expanded, draw up the card to about the middle of the 

 calyx, and spread the petals one over the other regularly 

 upon it. When these plants are in flower, their beauty 

 may be prolonged by giving them a little shade from the 

 mid-day sun by an awning of any simple description. 

 Where they are in pots, they can be removed to a cool 

 shady situation (but not directly under trees). 



OF LAYING CARNATIONS AND PINKS. 



This is a necessary and yearly operation to keep a sup- 

 ply of plants, and likewise to have them always in perfec- 

 tion. As the process of laying, though simple, may not 

 be known to all who are desirous of cultivating these 

 plants, we will give an outline of the mode of operation. 

 Provide first a quantity of small hooked twigs, (pieces of 

 Asparagus stems are very suitable,) about three inches 

 long, for pegging the layers down in the earth. Select 

 the outward, strongest and lowest shoots that are round the 

 plant; trim ofFa few of the under leaves, and shorten the 

 top ones even with the knife, and then applying it at a 

 joint about the middle of the under side of the shoot, cut 

 about half through in a slanting direction, making an up- 

 10* 



