56 CARNATIONS AND PINKS 



replaced. Prepare the necessary pots and have every- 

 thing in readiness for potting, and if a spell of suitable 

 weather should set in, begin potting at once. Pots 

 varying in size are used, such as six, seven, eight, and 

 also nine inches in diameter. If old pots are used, let 

 them be thoroughly washed ; if new ones, they should 

 be previously well soaked in water. A well-known 

 amateur grower thus sets forth the process of potting : 

 " I place two or three inches of crocks (not too small) 

 at the bottom and cover them over with dry leaves. 

 I then fill the pots about three parts full with the 

 compost, putting into each pot as I proceed a hand- 

 ful of finely broken charcoal. The plants are gently 

 tapped out of the small pots and placed on the soil, 

 and the spaces between the plants, and to within a 

 half-inch of the rim, filled in with more soil, and the 

 whole thoroughly shaken down and pressed firmly." 

 One, two, or three plants should be placed in a pot, 

 but this is regulated by the vigour of growth of the 

 variety, some being much more robust than others. 

 Firm potting is necessary, and over-potting should be 

 avoided. In the case of early potting it is well to 

 place the plants in a cold frame for a time ; if there 

 is no such convenience, potting should be delayed 

 until March, so that the pots can go into the open 

 air at once. 



MARCH 



Such potting as was not done in February should 

 be completed this month. If placed in the open, some 

 shelter from chilly winds should be provided, and, if 



