BORDER CARNATIONS 15 
grouped. It should be understood that the points of excel- 
lence in the plant and flower are the same in all sections. 
In a bed of seedlings, no two plants are alike: some have 
narrow, wiry leaves; others are broad and flabby, with 
numbers of different forms amongst them. The broad, 
succulent-leaved varieties are most liable to the attacks of 
disease, and those with wiry, small leaves seldom produce 
flowers of the highest quality. 
The medium-leaved varieties are to be chosen in pre- 
ference to the others, but these may only be selected from 
those which produce flowers that possess the qualities of 
good form, attractive colouring, and agreeable perfume. 
Having obtained a handsome plant of vigorous habit, it 
is desirable that it should possess a stout flower-stem 
that will bear the flowers in an erect position without 
the aid of wires, even when cut for decorative purposes. 
The flowers should be of handsome form, and the petals 
supported by a stout calyx which does not burst. The 
outer petals should be broad and well formed, what the 
fanciers term rose-leaved or cup-edged ; the centre petals 
ought also to be well formed, not wrinkled or of small 
size, The fanciers of the last century considered that 
every good flower should possess twenty-six petals; but 
nowadays a good double Carnation ought to possess 
twice that number of petals before it satisfies the criticism 
of competent judges. 
Next as to colour, the original flowers exhibited one 
colour only, being shades of pink; and self colours are 
perhaps most esteemed, being most useful for decorative 
purposes. The colours are now numerous, and they have 
been greatly increased during recent years, White flowers 
