102 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



The calyx must remain entire after the flower is open and not 

 burst open, as is the case with many of our new monthly carna- 

 tions. If the calyx or cup, is sufficiently long, (say one inch or 

 more), this will be avoided. The flower stalk must be strong, 

 straight, and elastic to support the blossoms firmly, although 

 they will require a stake to hold up the main portion of the 

 plant. 



As the flowers of different colors often possess a difierent fra- 

 grance, as the red or purple gives us more of the clove scent than 

 the lighter colors, each may choose to suit their fancy ; yet all 

 impart in a greater or less degree the peculiar fragrance which 

 is always agreeable. 



The Carnation produces seed in this climate very sparingly, 

 but we can assist it very much by planting it in proper soils, and 

 by covering or partially shading the flower from the scorching 

 rays of the midday sun ; also, by plucking out a few of the center 

 petals of the flower when it first opens, and thereby allowing the 

 organs of reproduction an opportunity of proper development. 

 The proper soil in which to sow the seed or grow the plants is a 

 rich sandy loam, and unless some pains be taken to procure such 

 soils, we need not expect success. Sods cut from an old pasture 

 or the road-side, and put in heaps until well rotted will be found 

 a congenial and suitable soil for this plant. But it should never 

 be used until it is thoroughly decomposed, and this is easily ac- 

 complished by turning over the heap several times during the 

 season. If the soil from which the sods are taken is naturally 

 poor, then a little old manure may be added when the heap is 

 made. 



Emmerton says that the grand art in gardening is to. know 

 when there is deficiency or redundancy of any of those primitive 

 soils in the mold you are going to make use of, and to be able to 

 mix and regulate it so as to suit the nature and wants of the plant 

 you intend to set in it. 



There are many people who, from want of thought or observa- 

 tion, imagine that because a plant is set in the earth it must thrive 

 in it — exposed in all weathers, wet or dry, hot or cold, whether 

 it be tender or hardy, indigenous or exotic ; whether it be native 

 of the mountains or an ofispring of the valley — never considering 

 that different plants require different soils, as well as diff'erent 

 aspects and climates. Some require strong soils, others light; 

 some like to bask in the sun, others thrive best in the shade 



