508 THE PLEASURE GARDEN. [JULY. 



so constructed with a canopy roof, as that a shade or 

 awning can be drawn over it at pleasure. This cur- 

 tain may be of thin canvas, and contrived to move, 

 by the help of pullies and cords, so as that all, or 

 any part of the stage can be shaded from the sun. 

 If oiled, it would also answer for defending heavy 

 rains, but in that way it is not so agreeable a shade 

 to sit under ; and on this account, some have one of 

 each, or at least an oil-cloth for the top part, to 

 draw on in wet w r eather. 



Others content themselves with placing the pots 

 on flat stages or benches, and shading or screening 

 the flowers with mats, or canvas covers, as hinted at 

 for choice bulbs, in April. In either way, they 

 should generally be shaded, in sunny days, from ten 

 till two o'clock ; and on all occasions, should be 

 defended from heavy rains and high winds. They 

 should also be regularly and moderately supplied 

 with water, generally once a-day. 



Carnations, whether cultivated in this way, or in 

 the open borders, are subject to the attacks of insect 

 enemies. These are the green-fly, earwigs*, and 



* Earwigs and slugs are fond of the points of the young 

 shoots of carnations and pinks, and are very troublesome in 

 places where they abound, To prevent them from getting to 

 the fine stage plants, the posts, or supports of the stage, are 

 sometimes insulated in water, being set in cisterns, or pans. If 

 a pencil, dipt in oil, were drawn round the bottom of the posts 

 once in two days, neither of these insects, nor ants, would at- 

 tempt them. Few insects can endure oil r The smallest drop of 

 it is instantly fatal to many kind?. 



