62 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



of the States, impressed by the possibilities of the Winter- 

 flowering Carnation as a market flower, commenced to 

 cultivate it, whilst some, at least, attempted cross-fertilisa- 

 tion, the result of this latter work being the splendid type 

 of flower now largely cultivated in the gardens of this 

 country. The Tree Carnation was introduced into Eng- 

 land from France about the year 1853 ; but the progress of 

 development was not so marked or rapid as in America. 

 Indeed, until quite recent years but few varieties of first- 

 class quality were raised in this country. 



The English National Carnation and Picotee Society 

 was formed in 1850. Previous to that date, border Car- 

 nations were grown well and extensively, but it was not 

 until December 1905 that steps were taken to form what 

 is now known as "The Perpetual- Flowering Carnation 

 Society." Although we have lagged behind our American 

 cousins in raising new and improved varieties, neverthe- 

 less progress is being made by such firms as Messrs. 

 Low, Cutbush, Veitch, Button, Burnet, Clarke, and others, 

 although it is noteworthy that varieties of American origin 

 still hold conspicuously high positions in the lists sent 

 out by the nurserymen who make a speciality of Carna- 

 tions of this type. Owing to adverse climatic conditions, 

 it is unlikely that we shall ever compete successfully with 

 American-grown flowers in the depth of winter. The 

 American winter is characterised by a bright, clear, and 

 sunny atmosphere, which accounts, to a great extent, for 

 the successful production of first-rate flowers there during 

 our four dullest months of the year. 



Regarding cultivation, Johnson remarks in his Gardeners' 

 Dictionary : " There is a variety called the ' Tree Carna- 

 tion/ which answers best for forcing. The plants should 



