28 THE BOOK OF THE CARNATION 



the winter season the supply must be stopped altogether. 

 This does not cause a cessation of root action, nor, 

 indeed, of a certain amount of activity in the plant itself, 

 for examination shows that new roots are being produced 

 all the winter, long, and to the experienced eye the stem of 

 the plant at the same time increases in bulk. With the 

 advent of February, preparation must be made to afford 

 the plants more room at root. Seven-inch pots for those 

 to be grown singly, and larger ones, as above noted, for 

 those to be grown in triplets, and in twos, being clean 

 washed and drained in the manner indicated for the layers. 

 Potting soil, as a rule, is prepared in advance, the material, 

 if it can be procured, being coarsely broken rotted turves, 

 with leaf-soil, a little thoroughly decayed manure, some 

 artificial manure, and sand to render the whole open. 

 A compost that suits Geraniums, Fuchsias, and the 

 general type of soft-wooded plants may indeed be safely 

 employed for Carnations of the class under review. In 

 repotting be careful not to break the ball or meddle with 

 the roots, and ram the soil somewhat firmly home. Be 

 also exceedingly careful for a while in the application of 

 water, so as not to over-moisten the new compost ; but 

 once root-action has begun freely, and especially if the 

 weather is warm, water must not be stinted. If there 

 is a freely ventilated cold pit in which to grow the 

 plants they will succeed perfectly; next to that a cold 

 frame must be made the most of, but as the reason for 

 growing the plants in this way is to secure an earlier 

 bloom, anything that retards growth is regrettable. 

 Staking the advancing flower-stems, applying manure as 

 required, with attention to the early destruction of insect 

 pests, are the chief items the cultivator has to see to. 

 Once the buds begin to open a light shading is necessary, 

 and superfluous buds should be removed at an early stage 

 of growth. Lovely blooms, bright in colour and of large 

 size, are secured under the treatment just noted. 



