Jun-e, July.'] LAYING CARNATIONS AND PINKS. 115 



The criterion of a double pink. The stem about twelve 

 inches, the calyx smaller, but similar to a carnation; the 

 flower two. inches and a half in diameter; petals rose edges; 

 colour white and pure purple, or rich crimson ; the nearer it 

 approaches to black the more is it esteemed; proportions 

 equal as in carnation. Those that are very tasteful with 

 these flowers are attentive to the manner of their opening. 

 Where the calyx is deficient in regular expansion, to display 

 the petal's ; that is, where there is a tendency to burst open 

 on one side more than on the other, the opposite side in two 

 or three different indentations should be slit a little, at 

 several times, witL the point of a small sharp knife, taking 

 care not to cut the petals, and about the centre of the calyx 

 tie a thread three or four times round to prevent any further 

 irregularity. Some florists and connoisseurs place cards on 

 them. This is done when the calyx is small. Take a piece 

 of thin pasteboard, about the size of a dollar, cut a small 

 aperture in its centre to admit the bud to pass through. 

 When on, tie it tight to the rod, to prevent the wind from 

 blowing it about ; and when the flower is expanded, draw up 

 the card to about the middle of the calyx, and spread the 

 petals one over the other regularly upon it. When these 

 plants are in flower, their beauty may be prolonged by giving 

 them a little shade from the mid-day sun by an awning of 

 any simple description. Where they are in pots, they can 

 be removed to a cool shady situation (but not directly under 

 trees). 



OF LAYING CARNATIONS AND PINKS. 



This is a necessary and yearly operation to keep a supply 

 of plants, and likewise to have them always in perfection. 

 As the process of laying, though simple, may not be known 

 to all who are desirous of cultivating these plants, we will 

 give an outline of the mode of operation. Provide first a 

 quantity of small hooked twigs (pieces of Asparagus stems 

 are very suitible), about three inches long, for pegging the 

 layers down in the earth. Select the outward, strongest and 

 lowest shoots that are round the plant ; trim off a few of the 

 under leaves, and shorten the top ones even with the knife, 

 and then applying it at a joint about the middle of the undei 



