62 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 
of the States, impressed by the possibilities of the Winter- 
flowering Carnation as a market flower, commenced to 
cultivate it, whilst some, at least, attempted cross-fertilisa- 
tion, the result of this latter work being the splendid type 
of flower now largely cultivated in the gardens of this 
country. The Tree Carnation was introduced into Eng- 
land from France about the year 1853 ; but the progress of 
development was not so marked or rapid as in America. 
Indeed, until quite recent years but few varieties of first- 
class quality were raised in this country. 
The English National Carnation and Picotee Society 
was formed in 1850, Previous to that date, border Car- 
nations were grown well and extensively, but it was not 
until December 1905 that steps were taken to form what 
is now known as “The Perpetual-Flowering Carnation 
Society.”” Although we have lagged behind our American 
cousins in raising new and improved varieties, neverthe- 
less progress is being made by such firms as Messrs, 
Low, Cutbush, Veitch, Dutton, Burnet, Clarke, and others, 
although it is noteworthy that varieties of American origin 
still hold conspicuously high positions in the lists sent 
out by the nurserymen who make a speciality of Carna- 
tions of this type. Owing to adverse climatic conditions, 
it is unlikely that we shall ever compete successfully with 
American-grown flowers in the depth of winter. The 
American winter is characterised by a bright, clear, and 
sunny atmosphere, which accounts, to a great extent, for 
the successful production of first-rate flowers there during 
our four dullest months of the year. 
Regarding cultivation, Johnson remarks in his Gardeners’ 
Dictionary: “There is a variety called the ‘Tree Carna- 
tion,’ which answers best for forcing. The plants should 
