CLOVE CARNATION. 157 



easily covered by hoops and mats when necessary 

 either against extreme heat or severe frost. 



Mr. Hogg estimates the chance of raising a 

 first-rate flower from seed as only one in a hun- 

 dred : of course, he means such only as might be 

 entitled to a prize in a show. But this view aside, 

 many new and truly beautiful varieties may be 

 raised from seed, which, though not exactly formed 

 and coloured according to the beau ideal of pro- 

 fessional taste, may nevertheless be highly orna- 

 mental in the border, if not on the stage. 



Propagation by cuttings, or, as they are called, 

 pipings, is performed about the end of June or 

 during the first fortnight of July. They should 

 be chosen from plants having a redundance of 

 shoots, or such shoots as are situated too high 

 on the stem for layering. It has already been 

 observed, that the shoots proper for this purpose 

 are the secondary shoots of the plant, and which, 

 if left attached, are destined to rise into flower 

 the next or following years. But as these shoots 

 would grow into irregular position, and likewise 

 blow feebly and imperfectly, it is found much 



