CHAPTER XIII 
STAGE OR BENCH SYSTEM OF CULTIVATION 
THIS method of cultivation originated in America, where it 
is practised more generally than any other system. Within 
the last few years it has been largely adopted by market- 
growers and others in this country. If great quantities of 
cut flowers are the first consideration, it is an excellent 
system, and the most simple way of producing them. I 
have seen several instances where ordinary span-roofed 
greenhouses have been converted into Carnation houses, 
and the central and side stages, with very little trouble, 
made into Carnation benches. Except in the case of very 
lofty or heavily-built houses, the plants succeed well, and 
produce a continuous supply of flowers over a long period. 
The sides of the benches consist of an 8-inch by 2-inch 
board, or thin slate slabs of a similar depth, screwed or 
fastened together at the corners, making a frame-work to 
contain the soil for the Carnations. It is important to see 
that the side benches are not too close to the roof, other- 
wise the flowering shoots will become injured by crowding 
against the glass. If it is not convenient to lower the side 
stages, this difficulty may, to a certain extent, be overcome 
by planting the two back rows with varieties of dwarf habit. 
See that the benches are well drained, by placing a 2-inch 
layer of crocks or cinders over the bottom, which should 
be perforated to allow the ware to pass away freely. The 
