CHAPTER III 

 CULTIVATION OF BORDER VARIETIES 



Propagation from Layers. Border Carnations are usually 

 propagated by layers. The layers have the lower leaves 

 stripped off, and a notch is cut into and through a joint. 

 Layering knives are specially made to do the work in 

 an expeditious manner. The blade is thin and double- 

 edged ; it is thrust through the joint, cut downwards and 

 outwards ; the portion of the stem adhering to the layer 

 under the joint is cut off, and the layer is pegged firmly 

 into sandy soil purposely prepared for it. The layers should 

 be removed as soon as they are well rooted, and either be 

 planted out or potted up in small flower-pots for the winter, 

 to be planted out in spring. 



The Proper Preparation of the Beds is a matter of con- 

 siderable importance. Complaints are frequently made of 

 want of success in the garden culture of Carnations ; some- 

 times the plants die owing to fungus disease, or they rot off 

 owing to the soil being wet and un drained. If there is a 

 probability of an excess of water, the beds may be made up 

 with good soil from 3 to 6 inches above the surrounding 

 garden level. In every case, care must be taken to ensure 

 that any decayed fibrous loam that is used is free from wire- 

 worm. It is very difficult to deal with this pest when it is 

 present in the soil. Gas-lime will kill it ; but if a sufficient 

 quantity is dug into the soil to destroy the wireworms, it 



