DIANTHUSES (PINKS). 145 



stone chips. The majority are of tufty habit, and 

 can therefore be propagated by division between 

 autumn and spring, but they also come readily from 

 seed, and this affords an economical means of working 

 up a stock of plants, the more so as seed can be bought 

 at a low price. It is a good plan to sow it in shallow 

 seed pots, called pans, in April or May. A compost 

 of loam, leaf mould and sand is suitable. This should 

 be in a fine, moist state when used, and should be 

 pressed firmly into the pans. The seeds should be 

 set in clear of each other, covered with soil gently 

 pressed down, and then put in a frame or greenhouse 

 with a covering of paper to check evaporation until 

 germination has taken place. When the seedlings 

 begin to crowd each other they may be pricked off a 

 few inches apart in boxes, and planted out during 

 showery weather in summer or early autumn. This 

 plan makes practically certain of success, but many 

 busy flower-lovers save time by sowing outdoors 

 where the plants are to bloom. 



The Alpine Pinks all love root moisture, but they 

 are impatient of wet soil round the collar, and it is 

 wise in the first place to plant them in crevices between 

 stones where the roots can work their way down into 

 damp soil, in the second to place stone chips round 

 them to check evaporation, and in the third to top- 

 dress them with sandy leaf mould twice a year. The 

 mulches should be well pressed round the tufts. 

 This treatment generally has a good effect, preventing 

 the plants suffering from drought and keeping them 

 healthy. 



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