THE CARNATION AND PICOTEE 125 



" layered," and thus make fresh flowering plants for the 

 ensuing year. These pieces of " grass " are known as 

 " layers " in all border Carnations and Picotees because of 

 the " layering " method by means of which the stock of these 

 is usually perpetuated. About a single flower stem of Carna- 

 tion there may be six or more pieces of grass or layers, and 

 the whole of these, if properly dealt with, will make fine 

 flowering plants for the following year. The work of layering 

 is usually accomplished in the end of July or early in August. 

 Perform it in this way. Take one of the layers in the left 

 hand, and, beginning from the ground level, carefully remove 

 all the leaves on the stem for a space of two inches. Endea- 

 vour in removing the leaves not to tear the skin of the stem, 

 or if preferred remove the leaves with sharp scissors. The 

 object in removing the leaves, which occur in pairs on the 

 stem, is to allow of the growth being well laid down (hence 

 the term tl layering ") in the soil. Every shoot or layer 

 must be dealt with in the same way until all are ready for 

 putting down. When all the pieces are thus trimmed, gently 

 stir up the soil an inch deep or thereabouts all round the 

 plant. 



Purchase some " layering pegs " made of straight bits of 

 thin wire six inches long with a crook at one end, or, what 

 will do just as well, some long hairpins. These are intended 

 to hold the layer steadily in the 

 soil. Then with a sharp pen- 

 knife make an upward cut in 

 the portion of the stem from 

 which the leaves were removed 

 previously, and this is the 

 method to follow. Take one of 

 the layers with the left hand, 

 grasping all the leaves. Place 

 the forefinger of the same hand 

 low down on the prepared part 

 of the stem, and cut into the 

 stem just below a good joint, 

 continuing the cut in an upward FlG I3 ._ Carnation Sh oot Layered, 

 direction for almost an inch. 



Endeavour to make the cut quite in the centre of the stem. 

 When the knife is withdrawn one portion remains in direct 

 communication with the upper portion of the growth, while 

 the other is separated from it. The separated part is called 

 the " nib " or tl tongue," and it is from this that the roots will 

 eventually be produced. Place the layer in the soil, already 



