THE CARNATION AND PICOTEE 133 



be dipped in a solution of soft-soapy water, two ounces to the 

 gallon. This will also kill them. 



The small yellow thrips are also most troublesome on the 

 choice show Carnations, and quite spoil the beautiful Flakes 

 and Bizarres. The pest attacks the unfolded petals of the 

 Carnations even before the colour is seen bursting from the 

 calyx. The white ground Picotees are also much disfigured 

 by it. As soon as the plants can be taken into the greenhouse 

 and smoked the insects are killed. It is always more frequent 

 upon pot plants than upon those grown in the open garden. 



Marguerite Carnations. A modern race, the result ap- 

 parently of crossing an early flowering type with the Indian 

 Pink (Dianthus chinensis\ The varieties are practically annuals, 

 though in some seasons they have a biennial character. The 

 plants flower in about four months from the time of seed 

 sowing. Sow in heat in March and the seedlings will soon 

 be ready for potting into 2j-inch pots. When sufficiently 

 rooted, transfer to a slightly larger size, and use a rich gritty 

 soil. At the end of May plant them out. They may also 

 be grown on in pots. The flowers are very pretty in colour, 

 fragrant, and generally quite double. It is a race worthy of 

 the beginner's care, and the seed is reasonable in price. 



