54 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



Amelia, Ann Lord, Her Majesty, Lavinia, Nymph, and 

 Somerhill. V. Heavy rose and scarlet edge. Constance 

 Heron, Edith D'ombrain, Little Phil, Mrs. A. R. Brown, Mrs. 

 Foster, Mrs. Payne, and Mrs. Sharpe. VI. Light rose and 

 scarlet edge. Daisy, Ethel, Fortrose, Liddington's Favourite, 

 Madeline, and Mrs. Rudd. 



Malmaison Carnations. These are well known as 

 amongst the very choicest of greenhouse flowers, and are 

 greatly admired for their sweetness and beauty. The original 

 type of Malmaison is of a blush tint, and from this blush 

 Malmaison there subsequently sported a variety with flowers 

 of a decidedly pink colour. Later, a striped one was produced 

 well marked with lines and flakes of a deep pink on the blush 

 ground. A distinct variety with flowers of a crimson colour, 

 may also be a sport, as it resembles it in form and the foliage 

 is similar. 



Another variety, with large crimson flowers, was introduced 

 by Messrs. Kelway of Langport, and stated by them, in answer 

 to my inquiry, to be a seedling variety. It was thought at 

 one time that seedling Malmaisons were practically impos- 

 sible. Martin R. Smith, Esq,, has set this matter at rest 

 by producing in his garden at Hayes in Kent hundreds of 

 seedling Malmaisons, many of them of the highest standard 

 of excellence. The choicest of them have been selected 

 and placed in commerce, and are now extensively cultivated 

 and highly esteemed. 



They are propagated freely both from layers and cuttings 

 or slips. These may be taken off in May and placed under 

 hand-lights or a propagating frame in a little bottom heat. 

 They must be shaded from bright sunshine, and also kept 

 close until roots are formed. When it is seen that some 

 growth is made more air must be admitted, and the shading 

 not so close over them as at first. Layers are the most 

 convenient method of propagation, and it is only desirable 

 to make slips of the growths that are too high up on the 

 main stem to be layered in the flower-pot. When the layers 

 have formed roots, which may be in July and August, they 

 ought to be potted up into sixty-sized flower pots, using 

 similar soil to that required for other Carnations. The 

 plants must be potted into larger flower-pots when neces- 

 sary. In all stages of growth, especially in winter, the 

 plants should be near the roof glass, and in a dry, airy 

 atmosphere. A close atmosphere, especially in the early 

 spring, is sure to cause " spot." The temperature in winter 

 and early spring ought not to be higher than from 50 degs. 

 to 55 degs. as a minimum, with 5 degs. more in the daytime. 



