BULBOUS ROOTS. 117 



even and the top level, forming a right angle on each side. 

 However neat in appearance this may be considered, it 

 certainly is stiff and formal. We never approve of clipping 

 where it can be avoided, and, when adopted, nature ought to 

 be imitated. Therefore, have all hedges and edgings tapering 

 toward the top. 



CARNATIONS AND PINKS, 



If laid about the end of June, and have been properly 

 attended, will, by the end of this month, be well rotted and 

 fit for transplanting. Clear away the earth lightly, and cut 

 them clean off from the parent plant, nearer the stool than 

 the original slit. Raise them neatly out of the earth, with 

 as many of the root-fibres as possible ; cut off the naked part 

 of the stem close to the fibrous roots, and trim away the 

 straggling leaves. Plant the finest sorts in four-inch pots, 

 and those more common, three plants in five-inch pots, in the 

 form of a triangle, which can be separated in spring to plant 

 in the garden. Any of the principal stools should be (if in 

 the ground) lifted and put into seven-inch pots to be preserved : 

 the others may be allowed to stand through the winter, cover- 

 ing them with a few dry leaves. Keep them in the shade a 

 few weeks, when they may be fully exposed. Give gentle and 

 frequent sprinklings of water until they have taken fresh root ; 

 or, if in want of pots, mark out a bed that can be covered with 

 a frame, preparing the soil therein properly. Plant them 

 from four to six inches apart. Shade them from the sun until 

 they begin to grow, giving sprinklings of water over the foliage 

 every evening. 



BULBOUS ROOTS. 



Look over the bulbs that are out of the ground, and exa- 

 mine those that require planting. Of Fritillaria there are 

 about twenty species, but few of them generally cultivated, 

 except F. imperialis, Crown Imperial, and F. persica. Of 

 the former there are many very splendid varieties, such as 

 Crown upon crown, Lutea Maxima, Striped leaved, Double 

 flowered, &c. These will require planting, and ought not tf> 



