CHAPTER IX. 



TYING UP OR SUPPORTING CARNATION FLOWERING STEMS- 

 DISBUDDING CARNATIONS -A CONSERVATION OF VITAL 

 FORCES A MATTER OF MARKET. 



THERE have been as many schemes for supporting earn a- 

 tion canes as patents on washing machines, but few of 

 which have escaped the observation of the writer. The 

 future may evolve a more simple and convenient mode than that 

 of Mr. Dorner's; but in convenience, neatness, and inexpensive- 

 ness it has, as yet, not been excelled. This or some other sup- 

 port should be given carnation plants as soon as convenient after 

 they are benched. In the plan above alluded to, the plants are put 

 in the rows alternately, so that they run in diagonal lines across 

 the bed. At the ends of the beds and at intervals of about twelve 

 feet along them a light wooden bar, supported at either side by an 

 upright, crosses the bed about ten inches from the surface. This 

 supports a galvanized wire along each row of plants, the wire be- 

 ing fastened at the ends, while the cross-bars along the bed receive 

 each wire in a little nick which keeps it from slipping. The tying 

 material is cotton string, which is worked across the bed from one 

 side to the other diagonally, making it appear in a series of tri- 

 angles. The tying is very quickly done by two men, one at either 

 side passing the string across; it is given a loop over at each wire. 

 The great convenience of this system is that while supporting the 

 plant it is not crowded up together, and the string is not in the 

 way when picking flowers. For very tall growers, a second wire 

 may be added above the first. 



A crown flower issues from the top of the main stem of a 

 carnation plant. A terminal bud or flower is the leading one from 

 a side shoot of the stem. 



Some varieties of carnations are given to blow crown flowers; 

 such kinds need but little attention in the matter of disbudding; 



