PREFACE 
WHATEVER else may be in doubt in regard to the history 
of the cultivated Carnation, we at least know that it was 
first loved in this country as a border flower. For four 
centuries the border varieties have been cultivated with in- 
creasing enthusiasm and in greater numbers. As compared 
with such a history, the Perpetual-Flowering and Souvenir 
de la Malmaison types may be regarded almost as new- 
comers. At the same time, these more recent acquisitions 
have increased the popularity of the flower throughout 
the length and breadth of the land. They may not be 
superior to the Old Clove Carnation or the Picotees, 
but they have characteristics that perfectly separate them 
from the older strains, and their cultivation is under glass 
rather than out-of-doors. When it is added that the 
perpetual-flowering sorts provide one of the brightest floral 
effects in the winter season, it is easily understood that, 
in present-day gardening, the Carnation appeals to a greater 
number of people than at any time in its history. 
As a recognition of the distinctness of the Carnation 
groups, I besought the co-operation of the present authors 
in the writing of this volume. They need no introduction. 
The name of Mr. Douglas is as inseparable from Carna- 
tions as Dean Hole’s from Roses. He has raised them, 
cultivated them, exhibited them, and written about them. 
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