38 



THE CARNATION. 



cularly exotics,, must, no doubt,, be benefited by this 

 surface- dressing, with the strong manures, which 

 should be applied a few weeks before they flower ; as 

 Geraniums, Camelias, Orange-trees, &c. 



Towards the end of February, I generally apply 

 a top-dressing, of about half an inch thick, to the 

 Double Primrose, Polyanthus, and Auricula, that 

 are in pots, having first removed the mould at the 

 top, whose place it has to supply, without injury to 

 the fibres ; the vegetative and nutritious properties 

 of which, by watering, long confinement in the frame, 

 and seclusion from the open air, must be greatly de- 

 teriorated, if not rendered sour, acrid, and unwhole- 

 some. 



The beneficial effect of such dressing is fully ap- 

 parent. You need only try the experiment on two 

 pots, and then compare them with two others, that 

 you have not meddled with, to be convinced of its 

 utility. 



The improved health and vigour of the plants 

 will be visible, from their improved verdure and 

 strength ; their blossoms will be larger and finer, and 



