THE GARDEN AT HOME 



calyx guaranteed not to split alas ! those so scrupulous 

 must grow the named varieties that, in comparison with 

 seedling plants, give a meagre harvest of bloom. Not 

 that they are not full of charm and beauty. I admit 

 most of what their devotees claim for them, but 

 I am worldly-minded in plain, blunt words, I want 

 more for my money, and I find it in a little packet 

 of seed. 



The named varieties (or, indeed, any variety that one 

 wishes to perpetuate exactly) are increased by layering 

 in early August. A few leaves are removed from the 

 base of each shoot, a slit is made through a joint in the 

 stem, and the cut portion is pegged down in a little heap 

 of sifted sandy soil. In six weeks' time the layers ought 

 to be rooted if care is taken to keep the soil moist. Then, 

 if the varieties are hardy enough, the plants may be 

 put out in a prepared border or bed, there to bloom 

 the following summer, or, if of delicate constitution, they 

 should be placed in small (3-inch) flower-pots and kept 

 in a cold frame until March, then to be planted out of 

 doors. 



Fragrance in a Carnation is a quality to be cherished, 

 for many beautiful sorts of the present day are scentless. 

 Let me name a few that still possess something of the 

 real old clove fragrance. I should include Agnes Sorrel, 

 crimson ; Raby Castle, pink ; H. J. Cutbush, scarlet ; 

 Banshee, lavender and scarlet; Castilian, rose; Ellen 

 Douglas, silver grey; Queen of Scots, pink; Much the 



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