THE CARNATION 207 



the calyx, which is common in many beautiful varieties, permits 

 the mass of petals which compose the bloom to bulge at one 

 side, and so spoil the shape. It is prevented by slipping on an 

 india-rubber ring. It will be necessary to shade the bed if the 

 flowers are to be kept quite fresh and of good colour, but it may 

 be well to warn readers who contemplate competing at the prin- 

 cipal shows that they will find themselves confronted by men 

 whose blooms have been grown in pots under glass. Even the 

 Selfs are generally grown in pots when show quality is aimed at. 

 Enemies. The Carnation has several enemies, which, among 

 them, cause growers endless trouble and loss. Wireworms and 

 leather-jacket grubs, which will attack most plants, are particu- 

 larly fond of the roots of Carnations. Inasmuch as these pests 

 are generally abundant in pasture land, it follows that trouble 

 must be expected when turf is taken up in order to make flower- 

 beds. It is a good plan to plant Potatoes on the ground first, as 

 they draw off a large number of grubs. True, they themselves 

 suffer, but unless they are a special variety they are of much less 

 value than Carnations. Another plan is to dress the ground with 

 gas lime, but this must only be done with certain precautions. 

 In the first place, one pound per yard should not be exceeded. 

 In the second, the lime must be allowed to lie on the surface a 

 few weeks before being turned in. In the third place, it is wise 

 to let the ground lie fallow for a few weeks longer, or to crop 

 it with something of no special value, such as Potatoes or Greens. 



(The least that can be done is to use baits among the Carnations. 

 These may consist of pieces of Potato, Carrot, or Mangel-wurzel 

 impaled on sticks, by means of which they can be thrust into the 

 ground. The baits must be withdrawn at frequent intervals, and 

 any grubs found on them destroyed. 



Hares and rabbits must be looked upon as very dangerous 

 enemies of Carnations. Rabbits will attack them in preference to 

 almost anything in the garden, and will clear off every Carnation 



