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CARNATIONS. 57 



The deep crimson Sweet-williams are most es- 

 teemed, though every variety looks well. 



Sweet-williams may be increased by layers and 

 cuttings, which is the only sure way of securing 

 the sorts you like ; for you may sow seed every 

 year, and not one in a thousand will reward you 

 by coming up double. 



Carnations are the pride of a garden, and de- 

 serve great care and attention. The common sorts, 

 which are planted in borders, should have a good 

 rich earth about them, and be treated like the pink ; 

 but the finer sorts should always be potted, to pro- 

 tect and shelter -the plant from hares, rabbits, 

 heavy rains, and severe frost in the winter. Re- 

 fresh the top of the pots with new soil in June, 

 and keep the plants free from decayed leaves. 

 Gently stir the earth round each plant occasion- 

 ally ; and as plants in pots require more water than 

 if placed in the ground, let the carnations be gently 

 moistened about every other day during dry weath- 

 er. Let the watering take place in the evening ; 

 no flower will endure being watered during the 

 heat of a summer's day. Carnations love sand and 

 salt in proper proportions. The brine which is de- 

 posited upon the compost heap, will answer every 

 purpose of salts, (if it be regularly carried out,) 

 without adding common salt : but let this be par- 

 ticularly attended to. The cook should deposit her 

 pickle and brine to good purpose upon the compost 

 heap, instead of splashing it down in front of her 

 kitchen door. 



Let each plant be well staked, and neatly tied to 



its supporter ; and do not allow two buds to grow 



side by side upon the same stem, for one will 



weaken the other. Pinch off the smaller bud. 



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