RAISING BORDER CARNATIONS FROM SEED 37 



than in a shallow soil. This is to be accounted for, most probably, 

 by its better mechanical action, viz. quicker drainage and heating. 



When the compost has been pressed and presents a perfectly 

 even surface, it should be well watered with tepid water applied 

 through a fine rose, sufficient to saturate it through and through, 

 then allowed to stand for an hour to drain. It will" then be in good 

 condition to receive the seed, which should be evenly distributed 

 over its surface. 



Thin sowing is essential a quarter of an inch should separate 

 seed from seed, and any which has fallen nearer together should 

 be adjusted to that distance. Then cover very lightly with the finer 

 particles from your compost, not unduly burying the seed, but just 

 enough to hide it well. Stand the pans or boxes on a gentle bottom 

 heat, or on a stage in a warm house, covering them with sheets of 

 glass on which brown paper may be spread to exclude the sun. 



Now arises an important point, the observance or non-observance 

 of which may have good or ill effects upon the future constitution 

 and well-being of the plants. The border carnation is one of the 

 hardiest of plants. It does not require heat ; more, it resents a 

 high temperature except that which naturally comes to it in the 

 summer when it is in the full vigour of its growth and in the fresh 

 and open air. It will stand but very little artificial heat, and hates 

 coddling, asking for nothing but to be hardily grown from its 

 beginning. Thus it is imperative that the seed pans be watched, 

 and directly there is a sign of movement, which may be looked 

 for a week after sowing, remove them from the bottom heat or the 

 heated house and give them cooler conditions even before the 

 seedlings have fairly penetrated through the soil. Even though 

 this may impose a slight check upon them, the germination will have 

 been secured, and the seedlings will quickly adapt themselves 

 to the new conditions without having to suffer in any way from 

 the old. The heat, having served to that extent, you must ask 

 nothing further of it, nor accept anything further from it. 



TRANSPLANTING 



When the first two leaves, the seed leaves, have fully developed 

 and the beginnings of another pair are visible, the seedlings should 



