CARNATIONS, PICOTEES, AND PINKS 75 



September. The layers in the garden should be 

 forming roots freely, and the process will be hastened 

 by watering in dry weather. By the end of the month 

 the layers made early in August ought to be well rooted, 

 and, if so, they may be cut away and the young plants 

 (for such they will now be) planted out where they 

 are to bloom the following year. The soil should be 

 prepared as previously advised, and pressed firmly 

 round the plants. A few plants of special varieties 

 may be potted and put on a layer of ashes in a frame 

 as a reserve. Early pot plants will now be forming 

 flower-buds, although the later-struck ones may not 

 yet be doing so. All ought to be put in the green- 

 house towards the end of the month. 



October. Complete the planting-out of rooted layers 

 and the potting of a few reserves. The latter, which 

 may be potted firmly in three-inch pots, should be kept 

 close for a few days after potting, but subsequently 

 given abundance of air in fine weather. They will 

 need very little water, and none should be sprinkled 

 over the leaves, or mould may follow. Pot plants in 

 the warm greenhouse will now be giving flowers, and 

 if the batch is in different stages, some being from 

 early and others from late cuttings, the display will 

 be a prolonged one. A high temperature is not ne- 

 cessary 50 to 60 being ample. The house should 

 be a light, well-ventilated one, and abundance of air 

 admitted in fine weather. 



November and December. If any plants out of doors 

 are upheaved by frost, press them back again. Venti- 

 late frame plants at every opportunity, and water very 

 sparingly. Keep a sharp lookout for rabbits. Pick 

 off any diseased leaves directly they are seen and burn 

 them. Maintain a fresh, buoyant atmosphere in the 



