PROPAGATING MALMAISONS 49 
vegetables and bedding plants are convenient for layer- 
ing Carnations, as the vegetable frames have soil already 
in them, and it is only necessary to add a little leaf-mould 
and sand. A glass covering is essential, as it is unwise 
to expose the foliage to the moist atmosphere out-of-doors. 
After the stakes which support the shoots have been re- 
moved, the plants should be laid on their sides, arranging 
them so that the growths can be prepared for layering 
without unduly twisting them, for they are very brittle. 
The leaf-mould and sand having first been passed through 
a sieve with a 34-inch mesh, the operator should take 
the growth to be used in his left hand, and, at a con- 
venient length, say, about 3 inches, remove the leaves and 
make a cut in a slanting upward direction—similar to 
that described by Mr. Douglas for border varieties—of 
about 1 inch in length (or, in other words, split the stem 
in half). This should then be gently, though firmly, 
pressed down into the rooting material, which should con- 
sist mainly of leaf-mould and sand, using a layering peg 
for the purpose. A good watering should be applied, 
through a fine rose, directly the layers are planted. Later 
waterings should be done early in the morning, when the 
prospects for a fine day are favourable, removing the frame- 
lights until the “grass,” or foliage, is quite dry. On re- 
placing the lights, ample provision should be made for the 
admittance of air, and, in bright weather, the plants will 
need shading from direct sunshine. Beyond the necessary 
shading and watering, nothing further can be done until 
the layers have made sufficient roots to allow of the plants 
being severed from the parents and transferred to pots. 
Potting.—The greatest possible care should be exercised 
D 
