48 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 
of the Malmaison Carnation for culture in association with 
other subjects, but, after more than twenty years’ experience, 
I must maintain the opposite view. They may doubtless 
be grown in some fashion amongst other plants, but the 
best results can never be obtained except in cases where a 
house is devoted exclusively to their requirements. 
I have grown them in various structures, but prefer a 
house which has east and west aspects, as, for instance, 
a span-roofed structure extending north and south. For 
plants two or three years old, the house should be about 
20 feet wide and ro feet high, and it should be fitted with 
side stages ; but one with a lower pitch is better adapted 
tor younger plants. 
The heating apparatus should consist of a 4-inch flow 
and return water-pipe on either side of the house, placed 
under the benches. These will provide enough warmth 
to exclude frost, which is all that is needed. For pro-_ 
viding a base for the pots to stand upon, small coal is 
to be preferred, but shingle, or gravel, may be used, if 
circumstances make them desirable. 
Propagation.—There are two systems of propagation, 
namely, by layers and cuttings, just as in the case of other 
Carnations. My experience has shown that the very best 
stock is obtained only from layers, and it is this method 
which 1] recommend beginners to adopt. In the first place, 
before any form of propagation is begun, it is necessary to 
examine carefully the specimens to be employed as stock 
plants, and, if any pest is found, every means should be 
taken to eradicate such pests before removing the plants 
to the frame ground, In most private gardens, it is gener- 
ally found that the frames which have been used for early 
