130 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



own judgment it was put on the market ; but alas ! it was a 

 poor apology for a yellow Malmaison, and we are still waiting 

 for a good one. 



Propagation. Malmaison Carnations 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 necessary. 

 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. 



As a selection for general purposes I should give : 



Astarte, vivid rose ; Baldwin, rose pink ; Duchess of Westminster, 

 salmon ; Florizel, rose ; Lady Rose, pink ; Margot, salmon pink ; Mercia, 

 salmon pink ; Mary Measures, crimson ; Nautilus, delicate blush pink ; 

 Nell Gwynne, white ; Mrs. Torrens, salmon pink ; Mrs. Trelawney, 

 reddish salmon. 



Tree or Perpetual-Flowering Carnations. -These are the 

 most delightful ornaments of the greenhouse and conservatory 

 in the late autumn, winter, and spring months, and they are 

 so easily grown that any amateur may enjoy their beauty and 

 delicious fragrance all the year round, for in truth they will 

 continue to flower all through the summer. Large well- 

 branched specimens will give at least a hundred blooms during 

 the season, but perhaps the most useful for ordinary purposes 

 are those grown and flowered in five and six inch flower-pots. 



Propagation and General Culture. As the shoots or slips 

 cannot be layered owing to their position on the plants, 

 they must be propagated entirely by slips or cuttings in- 

 serted into pots of sandy soil, and placed in a propagating 

 frame or close greenhouse. The earliest cuttings are put in 



