3 8 THE BOOK OF THE CARNATION 



watchful that little of the stem of the plant is buried. 

 During the autumn months it is customary to let potted 

 layers stand in the open, but it is an expedient of doubtful 

 benefit, and, as a rule, the plants ought to be cultivated 

 entirely under glass protection, though affording the 

 plants at all times abundance of fresh air. Very careful 

 watering is essential, because the object is to induce 

 a firm, consolidated growth that will render the plants 

 immune to disease. If previous to, or by the beginning 

 of, October it is observed that the plants are becoming 

 root-bound, they ought to be transferred to larger pots 

 those in four-inch to six-inch, and those in five-inch 

 to seven-inch ones. In this instance compress the soil 

 very firmly, and maintain caution in the application of 

 water, till in November, December, and part of January, 

 if the condition of thorough coolness with dryness can 

 be secured, the plants will be better kept dry at root. 

 Growth will recommence at the period last named ; 

 but up till the beginning of April great carefulness in 

 watering must be observed. Late layers wintered in small 

 pots will require repotting early in February, and in the 

 same month plants to produce bloom during the next 

 winter and spring should be selected and potted in nine- 

 inch pots, employing a rough compost, and ramming it hard 

 in. By April the treatment of all these plants will be 

 identical ; water will be required in greater abundance, 

 with the occasional addition of some manurial agent soot, 

 pigeon-manure, cow-dung, and various chemical agents 

 being employed to stimulate the plants. While the stems 

 are " spindling " until the flowers are expanded, the winter 

 treatment, as regards water, must be reversed, and the 

 plants at this stage on no account permitted to become 

 dry at root, or the atmosphere parched. It is essential, 

 too, to break the direct rays of the sun off the foliage 

 from the end of March onwards, increasing the density 

 of the shade when the buds have become sufficiently 



