CHAPTER VII 
THE MARGUERITE CARNATION 
INTRODUCED in the year 1889, this type of Carnation 
is found very useful for decorative purposes in autumn 
and winter. There seems to be some misunderstanding 
as to the source from whence the Marguerite Carnation 
originated. Mr. Ernest Benary informs me that some say 
it originated in Sicily; also that Messrs. Dammann and 
Co. and a Mr. Hildebrand both claim to be the first to 
have grown the plants. The stock is obtained from seeds 
which are sown in February or March, and the plants 
bloom the same season. At this early time of the year 
the seed-pan must be put in a warm house, and the young 
seedlings will appear within a week. It is necessary to keep 
them growing, by pricking the young plants out as soon 
as the seed leaves are fully developed. They may be grown 
on as recommended for the seedlings of border varieties, 
and be planted out in the open border in May or June. 
Some good potting soil should be placed around the 
roots of each plant as it is put into the ground, for 
the purpose of encouraging the plants to make roots, 
so that in lifting them out of the ground early in 
September they may not receive much check to their 
growth. If it is convenient, they may be grown on in 
pots all through the summer months, and in that case the 
flowers will be produced early. These Carnations do not 
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