CHAPTER III 
CULTIVATION OF- BORDER VARIETIES 
Propagation from Layers.—Border Carnations are usually 
propagated by layers. The layers have the lower leaves 
stripped off, and a notch is cut into and through a joint. 
Layering knives are specially made to do the work in 
an expeditious manner. The blade is thin and double- 
edged ; it is thrust through the joint, cut downwards and 
outwards ; the portion of the stem adhering to the layer 
under the joint is cut off, and the layer is pegged firmly 
into sandy soil purposely prepared for it. The layers should 
be removed as soon as they are well rooted, and either be 
planted out or potted up in small flower-pots for the winter, 
to be planted out in spring. 
The Preper Preparation of the Beds is a matter of con- 
siderable importance. Complaints are frequently made of 
want of success in the garden culture of Carnations ; some- 
times the plants die owing to fungus disease, or they rot off 
owing to the soil being wet and undrained. If there is a 
probability of an excess of water, the beds may be made up 
with good soil from 3 to 6 inches above the surrounding 
garden level. In every case, care must be taken to ensure 
that any decayed fibrous loam that is used is free from wire- 
worm. It is very difficult to deal with this pest when it is 
present in the soil, Gas-lime will kill it; but if a sufficient 
quantity is dug into the soil to destroy the wireworms, it 
al 
