346 Transactions of the London Hoi-ticultural Society. 



the bottom of the pot may touch it when finally placed ; this 

 I find of the greatest moment, as it prevents the entry of 

 worms, grubs, and wire worms, all of which appear to have 

 an objection to remain near where it is, and thus it keeps the 

 roots from being disturbed or destroyed, and the plant is in 

 perfect health all through the summer, which cannot be done 

 by any other method that I have tried or seen. Some gar- 

 deners grow carnations in large pots placed on the surface, 

 others, in the ground openly ; by the former method, the 

 plants are frequently either too moist or too dry ; and by the 

 latter, are subject to the wire worm, grub, &c., and, in sum- 

 mers like that of 1830, are destroyed by too much wet. 



" In the season of layering, I place an inch thick of fine 

 sandy soil round each pot, in which the layers readily strike 

 root." 



The above communication is the result of seven years' 

 practice in the culture of carnations, in the course of which 

 Mr. May tried various experiments, and studied most of the 

 treatises on the subject, but has failed of success by most of 

 the plans he has seen recommended. Those who are aware 

 that the Dianthus Caryophyllus, the acknowledged origin of all 

 our garden carnations, picotees, &c., is found wild in this 

 country, mainly on old walls, as those in Norwich, and of 

 Rochester, Deal, and Sandown Castles, will observe with 

 pleasure, in the " coarse pit sand or grits" and the " scrapings 

 of a limestone road " prescribed above, considerable assimi- 

 lation to that mortary matter which forms the soil of the 

 plants of our native species. See on this subject also a 

 remark quoted from Mr. Sweet's Florists Guide, in our Vol. 

 VII. p. 478.—^. D. 



26. An Account of a nexv Kind of Protecting Frame to he used in 

 forcing Asparagus, Sea-hale, 8^c., in the open Ground. In a Letter 

 to the Assistant Secretary. By Mr. John Dick of Ballindean, 

 C.M.H.S. Read Nov. 2. 1830. 



This communication exhibits figures and descriptions of two 

 frames, formed on one principle, but differing in dimensions, 

 according to the object for which each is intended. Each 

 is constructed altogether of wood, and is of an oblong form, 

 covered with a span roof, the roof on one side being mainly 

 formed of a range of hinged lift-up shutters ; each, too, is to 

 be placed over the plants to be forced, and covered with hot 

 dung. The first is intended for forcing sea-kale, rhubarb, 

 or any plants grown in rows in the open garden. The fol- 

 lowing are the particulars of its structure, management, and 

 advantages : — 



