PROPAGATION BY SEED 69 



hotbed, composed of oak leaves and long stable manure, 

 upon which a depth of 4 inches of fine peat, or cocoa- 

 nut fibre, is placed ; in this material the pots containing 

 the cuttings are plunged. This system we practise with 

 success in the summer and autumn months in a frame 

 having a northern aspect. This method is not recom- 

 mended for winter, as it is impossible to give proper 

 attention to the cuttings without admitting cold air to 

 the frame. 



Propagation by Seed. This system of propagation is the 

 most interesting, and at the same time the most uncertain 

 in its results. There is a great fascination in awaiting the 

 first opening flowers of cherished seedlings, and, although 

 most of them may prove to be worthless, the joy of having 

 secured one gem will compensate for the many disappoint- 

 ments. To any one interested in the cross-fertilisation of 

 the Carnation, the process is a simple one, but a little ex- 

 perience is necessary to determine the proper time at which 

 the pollen is in a correct state for its transference to the 

 stigma of the flower to be operated upon. Mr. Douglas 

 has described the process of cross-breeding on another 

 page, and I shall merely make a few remarks in passing. 

 The pollen should be removed from the anthers when it is 

 in a dry, powdery condition, by means of a small brush, 

 and applied to the stigma. The stigma is at a proper stage 

 for the reception of the pollen when, upon examination, a 

 clear watery substance is seen to exude from its hair-like 

 filaments. The seed-bearing parent should have its anthers 

 removed from the flowers before the pollen becomes ripe, 

 otherwise the flower may be fertilised with its own pollen, 

 and, unless the plant is isolated, it may be necessary to cover 

 the stigma to prevent any but the desired pollen reaching it. 



