414 THE PLEASURE, OR [JUNE. 



about an inch deep : the pot is then to be filled up nearly level, with 

 some light rich compost not of too fine a grain. 



The incision immediately follows : the knife should have a small, 

 thin, and very sharp blade ; it is to be introduced on that side the 

 layer next the ground, in a sloping direction upwards, to commence 

 a quarter of an inch below the second or third clean joint from the 

 extremity, and continue through the middle of that joint, and half 

 or three quarters of an inch above it, the small portion left under, 

 and connected with the joint, is to be cut off horizontally, quite 

 close to the bottom of the joint, but not into it, as it is from the outer 

 circle of the bottom of the joint that the fibres proceed, consequent- 

 ly, that part should not be injured. 



After the incision is made, which should be through the middle 

 of the joint, 8cc. and the lower part dressed as before directed, the 

 layer is to be gently forced down to the earth, with great care to 

 avoid breaking it off, or even cracking it at the joint,, which would 

 prevent a due communication of the juices of the old plant, so ne- 

 cessary for the support of the layer, till it has formed sufficient 

 root to support itself: it would likewise render it more likely to de- 

 cay on the application of water. 



The layer is to be held down to the surface of the earth, by one of 

 the pegs before described, which is to be forced into the soil, close 

 behind the joint where the incision was made, observing at the same 

 time, to keep the slit a little open ; and it is to be observed that the 

 joint from whence the fibres are expected to proceed, should be 

 covered about an inch deep with good compost earth, and not deeper ; 

 for the influence of the air is necessary to the free rooting of the 

 layer. The remainder of the stalk of the layer should lay, as much 

 as possible, upon or above the surface of the pot ; but must by no 

 means be covered too deep. 



Carnations, and pinks growing in the open ground, in beds or 

 borders, Sec. may be propagated by laying them in like manner as 

 above ; or either, may be propagated by pipings as follows. 



Piping Carnations and Pinks. 



For this purpose, it is necessary to form a bed of fine light mould, 

 or old compost earth, which should be moderately moistened and 

 rendered rather compact than otherwise ; then take a hand or bell- 

 glass, and with it mark its dimensions on the surface of the soil, in 

 order to know where to stick in the pipings, so as to lose no room, 

 or endanger their being disturbed when the glass is placed over 

 them. 



The cuttings intended to be piped are to have two complete 

 joints, that is to say, they are to be cut ojf horizontally, close under 

 the second joint : the extremities, or points of the leaves, are like- 

 wise to be shortened, as for laying, which will leave the whole length 

 of the piping about two inches : as soon as thus prepared, they may 

 be thrown into a bason of soft water for a few minutes, to plump. 

 They are then to be taken out of the bason singly, and forced into 

 the earth in their wet state, not more than an inch deep, and about 

 two inches asunder every way. 



