PREFACE 



WHATEVER else may be in doubt in regard to the history 

 of the cultivated Carnation, we at least know that it was 

 first loved in this country as a border flower. For four 

 centuries the border varieties have been cultivated with in- 

 creasing enthusiasm and in greater numbers. As compared 

 with such a history, the Perpetual-Flowering and Souvenir 

 de la Malmaison types may be regarded almost as new- 

 comers. At the same time, these more recent acquisitions 

 have increased the popularity of the flower throughout 

 the length and breadth of the land. They may not be 

 superior to the Old Clove Carnation or the Picotees, 

 but they have characteristics that perfectly separate them 

 from the older strains, and their cultivation is under glass 

 rather than out-of-doors. When it is added that the 

 perpetual-flowering sorts provide one of the brightest floral 

 effects in the winter season, it is easily understood that, 

 in present-day gardening, the Carnation appeals to a greater 

 number of people than at any time in its history. 



As a recognition of the distinctness of the Carnation 

 groups, I besought the co-operation of the present authors 

 in the writing of this volume. They need no introduction. 

 The name of Mr. Douglas is as inseparable from Carna- 

 tions as Dean Hole's from Roses. He has raised them, 

 cultivated them, exhibited them, and written about them. 



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