PROPAGATING MALMAISONS 49 



vegetables and bedding plants are convenient for layer- 

 ing Carnations, as the vegetable frames have soil already 

 in them, and it is only necessary to add a little leaf-mould 

 and sand. A glass covering is essential, as it is unwise 

 to expose the foliage to the moist atmosphere out-of-doors. 

 After the stakes which support the shoots have been re- 

 moved, the plants should be laid on their sides, arranging 

 them so that the growths can be prepared for layering 

 without unduly twisting them, for they are very brittle. 

 The leaf-mould and sand having first been passed through 

 a sieve with a -inch mesh, the operator should take 

 the growth to be used in his left hand, and, at a con- 

 venient length, say, about 3 inches, remove the leaves and 

 make a cut in a slanting upward direction similar to 

 that described by Mr. Douglas for border varieties of 

 about i inch in length (or, in other words, split the stem 

 in half). This should then be gently, though firmly, 

 pressed down into the rooting material, which should con- 

 sist mainly of leaf-mould and sand, using a layering peg 

 for the purpose. A good watering should be applied, 

 through a fine rose, directly the layers are planted. Later 

 waterings should be done early in the morning, when the 

 prospects for a fine day are favourable, removing the frame- 

 lights until the " grass," or foliage, is quite dry. On re- 

 placing the lights, ample provision should be made for the 

 admittance of air, and, in bright weather, the plants will 

 need shading from direct sunshine. Beyond the necessary 

 shading and watering, nothing further can be done until 

 the layers have made sufficient roots to allow of the plants 

 being severed from the parents and transferred to pots. 

 Potting. The greatest possible care should be exercised 



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