CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS 113 
in a moderately warm atmosphere, in order to obtain 
flowers as early as possible. The earliest layers should be 
repotted into the flowering pots as they require it. 
Perpetual-Flowering Varieties.—As this note is being 
written, a letter has arrived complaining that the Perpetual- 
Flowering Carnation blooms are opening badly and are of 
small size (the letter is written in December), The reason 
why the flowers do not open satisfactorily is owing to a 
low temperature and moist atmosphere. Amateurs see the 
fine flowers exhibited in London and elsewhere, but the 
best of these are not only produced in a house specially set 
apart for them, and therefore properly heated and ventilated, 
but some are brought from places such as Guernsey, where 
the climate is favourable to their perfect development. As 
the flower-stems grow, attend early to supporting them 
with stakes. Do not coddle the plants in any way, but give 
them an abundance of air on all favourable occasions. 
NOVEMBER 
“ November sky is chill and drear, 
November’s leaf is red and sear.” 
Border Carnations and Picotees.—Very little can be 
done after the layers are potted up or planted out, except 
to see that they are safe from insect pests. 
Malmaison Varieties.—The plants should have full ex- 
posure to the light, and as much ventilation as may be con- 
sistent with the weather out-of-doors. The plants intended 
to flower early may be given similar treatment to the tree 
Carnations, and those intended for flowering later should 
be wintered with the border Carnations, if these are in a 
H 
