&22 Treatment and Cultivation of the Carmation. 



neatly made, and painted of a Brunswick green, with about 

 2 in. of the top white. These, previously prepared, I place 

 between the layers, taking care they stand perfectly upright, 

 and in straight lines, like a well-ordered regiment of infantry. 

 In a few days some of the earliest carnations will require tying 

 closely to the sticks ; and, to prevent accidents from wind, I 

 look them over at least once every day. At this time the 

 green smother-fly (aphides) makes its appearance. I always 

 get rid of these by dusting them with Scotch snuflP, puffed 

 from an India-rubber bottle, having a small tube fixed in its 

 neck. After the plants are wet with dew or rain, is the best 

 time to apply the snuff, or they may be lightly watered over- 

 head with a rose for the purpose. To keep the plants in a 

 healthy growing state, the stems must be regularly tied every 

 day till the first or second week in July. The buds will then 

 appear to bloom finely. The lateral shoots and buds must be 

 taken off, leaving from two to three or four buds to bloom, 

 according to the size you may wish to have the flowers. When 

 the pods are so far advanced as to begin to open at top, they 

 should immediately be tied round with a bit of common bees- 

 waxed thread. When the blossoms begin to expand, a neat 

 cap, of which I use many varieties, should be placed over the 

 blooms. 



When the whole are nearly in bloom, the frame and a fine 

 cloth awning are fixed over the stage, and the caps all re- 

 moved. Then, when the flowers are advanced into full bloom, 

 the circular papers (which I cut with a curious instrument of 

 my own invention) should be carefully placed under each, and 

 fixed with a wire hook, to keep them in such position as that 

 all will appear full to view. They will continue in full bloom 

 for three weeks, after which the awning may be removed, 

 and the operation of layering for future stock be done. 



I was so much delighted with my success and show of car- 

 nations some years ago, that I was induced to challenge my 

 stage against all E?igland ! My friend, Mr. J. Knight, of the 

 King's Road, Chelsea, paid me a visit just at the moment I 

 had finished arranging them, and, being much struck with 

 the appearance, was pleased to say, " I might challenge all 

 Europe " adding, " that if such a collection were in London, 

 the proprietor would be better paid for his exertions than at 

 Northampton." This, I dare say, ]Mr. Knight will verify, and 

 at the same time excuse me for taking the liberty of mentioning 

 his name : indeed, I might refer to many other nurserymen 

 and florists, if it were necessary, who have admired my flowers, 

 and given me credit for my practice. 



