56 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 
in the houses or frames is that out-of-doors the foliage 
is apt to get soft, owing to wet or damp weather, and it 
then falls an easy prey to a fungus disease. Therefore I 
repeat that a glass covering of some form is necessary for 
the plants at every season of the year. At the same time, 
the plants require to be fully exposed to the direct rays 
of the sun during the greater portion of the year, as these 
conditions are necessary for the foliage to develop that 
vigorous and leathery appearance which is appreciated by 
all Carnation lovers. In very bright weather, when the 
plants are in flower, it is advisable to protect the latter 
by shading. If the deep pink colour is to be maintained, 
a moderately light shading fixed on to a roller, which can 
be easily manipulated, should be adopted, as this is the 
best form of shading. 
Moisture.—I am tempted to allude again to this matter, 
being convinced that moisture is applied often to the detri- 
ment of the plants, not alone in root-waterings, but also 
when used in the structure to mitigate the ill effects of 
excessive fire or sun heat. It is only during March, April, 
and May, when growth is rapid and the weather conditions 
favourable, that frequent dampings of the paths and other 
surfaces are necessary. 
SELECTION OF VARIETIES 
The old blush form of Souvenir de la Malmaison was 
first flowered in this country at about the middle of the last 
century, and for many years it remained the only variety. A 
variety known as Lady Middleton followed, and this had a 
deep blush-coloured flower, striped with rosy pink, and it 
in turn was followed by the rich pink form known as the 
