i 4 MARKET NURSERY WORK 



pot, so that the top of the ball is within f inch below the rim of the 

 pot. We then, being satisfied as to position, fill in around with 

 soil, and this we press home evenly and firmly, using a potting 

 stick for the purpose, careful, however, not to make it hard, but 

 moderately firm. Thus the 5 -inch pot is filled to within \ inch of 

 the top of the pot, and we consider this is only just sufficient space 

 to allow for water. 



As the plants leave the potter's hands, an assistant, standing at 

 the same bench, puts a bamboo tip to each and one tie, after which 

 the carriers with the hand-barrow carry them away and stand them 

 in the carnation house at least it is for the present and up till June 

 the carnation house after which it will temporarily be a tomato 

 house. We now no longer look upon them as infants, but as fairly 

 started in life, expecting great things from them, realising, however, 

 that they are as dependent upon our care and attention as ever they 

 were. It is one of the fascinations of carnation culture that they 

 so readily respond to treatment if it is kept on right lines, and they 

 never leave us in any doubt as to their satisfactory development. 

 We see them now occupying both sides of a large, light, and airy 

 house, the centre bed of which is yet full of one-year plants carrying 

 a full crop of bloom, and it is here they pass through their inter- 

 mediate, preparatory stage. Incessant watchfulness and prompt 

 measures keep them free from insect pests, and if any disease appears 

 it is promptly dealt with. The watering and ventilation throughout 

 the tricky month of May occupies the close attention of the grower, 

 and when May, as it sometimes will, assumes the character of 

 midsummer, then a slight coat of Elliott's shading over the glass 

 tempers the effect of the sun, and renders it an easier matter to 

 combat red spider and thrip a pair of enemies which generally 

 run in double harness. 



While dealing with their cultivation, which, so far, has been under 

 glass, we trust that the great fact of their hardiness has never been 

 absent from our minds, because our general treatment of them at 

 every stage must be influenced by it. To us it appears to be the 

 fundamental fact, one we must always reckon with, and it applies 

 more especially to questions of temperature and of ventilation. While 

 they are in their earlier and infantile stages, they have practically 

 but little individuality, and so do not appear to resent a temperature 



