CARNATIONS AND PINKb. 31 



ing pot distributes the water equally among the 

 seedlings ; whereas, water dashed upon them from 

 a jug falls in masses, and forms holes in the light 

 earthj besides prostrating the delicate seedling. 



About the end of May, the seedlings will be fit 

 to remove into another nursery bed, to gain strength 

 till October ; or be planted at once where they are 

 to remain. Put the plants six inches apart, and 

 water them moderately, to settle the earth about 

 their roots. 



But it is rarely required to sow seed for perennial 

 plants, they multiply so vigorously and quickly of 

 themselves, by offsets ; and cuttings may be made 

 of the flower stalks in May and June in profusion. 



The double Scarlet lychnis, and those plants 

 which rise with firm flower stems, make excellent 

 cuttings, and grow freely when planted in moist 

 weather. Double Rockets, Lychnidea, and many 

 others succeed well. 



Carnation and pink seedlings must be taken great 

 care of. They will be ready to plant out about 

 the middle of June, and as innumerable varieties 

 spring from sowing seed, they should be planted 

 carefully in a bed by themselves six inches asun- 

 der, and they will flower the following year, when 

 you can choose the colors you most approve. Car- 

 nations properly rank under the head of biennials ; 

 but pinks are strictly perennial plants, and much 

 has been written upon this hardy and beautiful 

 flower. It comes originally from a temperate cli- 

 mate, therefore the pink loves shade ; the fervid 

 sunbeams cause its flowers to languish and droop. 

 You may give them an eastern aspect. 



Be careful to watch pinks when they are bud- 

 ding, and do not allow two buds to grow side by 



