412 THE PLEASURE, OR [JUNK. 



It is not advisable to let every pod blow, because it would ren- 

 der each blossom smaller, than if only two or three were left on each 

 plant : it is, therefore, proper in this case, to cut off or draw out the 

 small lateral pods, close to the main stem, as soon as they appear, 

 in order that the remainder may have time to reap due benefit by 

 it; but those sorts that have remarkably large short pods, abound- 

 ing with petals, (commonly called bursters) should be suffered to 

 bloom them all, or the greater part, although, in general, three or 

 four pods are as many as ought to be suffered to blow on one plant. 



Modern Florists divide the carnations into four classes. 



1 . Flakes ; of two colours only, and their stripes large, going quite 

 through the leaves. 



2. Bizards ; with flowers striped or variegated with three or four 

 different colours, in regular spots and stripes. 



3. Piquettt's or Piquetttes ; having a white ground, and spotted or 

 pounced with scarlet, red, purple, or other colours. 



4. Painted Ladies ; these have the petals of a red or purple colour 

 on the upper side, and white underneath. 



A Description of the Properties of a fine Variegated Double 

 CARNATION. 



The stem should be strong, tall, and straight ; not less than thir- 

 ty, nor more than forty-five inches high. The flower should be at 

 least three inches in diameter, and the petals well formed, neither 

 so many as to appear crowded, nor so few as to appear thin. The 

 lower or outer circle of petals, commonly called the guard leaves, 

 should be particularly substantial ; they should rise perpendicularly 

 about half an inch above the calyx, and then turn off gracefully in 

 a horizontal direction, supporting the interior petals ; which should 

 decrease gradually in size, as they approach the centre, which 

 should be well filled with them. All the petals should be regularly 

 disposed, and lie over each other in such a manner, as that their 

 respective and united beauties may meet the eye altogether ; they 

 should be nearly flat, or, at most, have but a small degree of in- 

 flection at the broad end : their edges should be perfectly entire, 

 (or what is called rose leaved) without notch, fringe, or indenture. 

 The calyx should be at least an inch in length, sufficiently strong 

 at the top, to keep the base of the petals in a close and circular body. 

 The colours should be distinct, and the stripes regular, narrowing 

 gradually to the claws of the petal, and there ending in a fine point. 

 Almost one half of each petal, should be of a clear white, and free 

 from spots. 



Bizards) or such as contain two or more colours, upon a white 

 ground, are esteemed rather preferable to Flakes, which have but 

 one, especially when their colours are remarkably rich, and very 

 regularly distributed. 



Scarlet, purple, and pink, are the three colours most predomi- 

 nant in the carnation ; the two first are seldom to be met with ia 

 the same flower, but the purple and pink very frequently. 



