48 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



of the Malmaison Carnation for culture in association with 

 other subjects, but, after more than twenty years' experience, 

 I must maintain the opposite view. They may doubtless 

 be grown in some fashion amongst other plants, but the 

 best results can never be obtained except in cases where a 

 house is devoted exclusively to their requirements. 



I have grown them in various structures, but prefer a 

 house which has east and west aspects, as, for instance, 

 a span -roofed structure extending north and south. For 

 plants two or three years old, the house should be about 

 20 feet wide and 10 feet high, and it should be fitted with 

 side stages ; but one with a lower pitch is better adapted 

 for younger plants. 



The heating apparatus should consist of a 4-inch flow 

 and return water-pipe on either side of the house, placed 

 under the benches. These will provide enough warmth 

 to exclude frost, which is all that is needed. For pro- 

 viding a base for the pots to stand upon, small coal is 

 to be preferred, but shingle, or gravel, may be used, if 

 circumstances make them desirable. 



Propagation. There are two systems of propagation, 

 namely, by layers and cuttings, just as in the case of other 

 Carnations. My experience has shown that the very best 

 stock is obtained only from layers, and it is this method 

 which 1 recommend beginners to adopt. In the first place, 

 before any form of propagation is begun, it is necessary to 

 examine carefully the specimens to be employed as stock 

 plants, and, if any pest is found, every means should be 

 taken to eradicate such pests before removing the plants 

 to the frame ground. In most private gardens, it is gener- 

 ally found that the frames which have been used for early 



