28 THE CARNATION. 



teen, two or three, according to the same rule. Be 

 careful to put two or three large bits of tile at the 

 bottom, or the hollow part of a large oyster-shell, 

 resting upon a tile, to preserve a secure drainage for 

 the water. Stagnant water, whether in pots or in 

 the open fields, is alike prejudicial to all plants, 

 except aquatics. 



The pots to be filled three parts full with com- 

 post, in its rough or coarse state from the heap, 

 using fine or sifted mould only at the top, around 

 the roots of the plants, which must not be planted 

 deeper than they were before. 



The mould to be well shaken down, to prevent its 

 settling after. The coarse parts, or riddlings, that 

 would not pass through the sieve, may also be put 

 at the bottom, filling each pot about three inches 

 deep with them. 



At this season of the year, when they want water, 

 let it be given in the morning, rather than in the 

 evening, till about the middle of May, on account of 

 the frosts which will often recur at that time. When 

 the plants begin to spindle, or shoot up for bloom, 



