86 PLANT CULTURE 



are given space according to the variety. In this connection it 

 may be stated that a good place to look for the kind of flower com- 

 mon 25 years ago is on a bench, the soil of which is completely hid- 

 den by the plants. As much light as possible should be admitted 

 to all parts of the plant, and it is as important that air should have 

 free circulation among the plants. 



Supports. The different methods are getting to be about as 

 numerous as the varieties of Carnations. A good circular wire 

 support should be easy to apply, easily removed and stored, give 

 the minimum amount of shade to the plants and be moderate in 

 cost. Several of the designs on the market are satisfactory in all of 

 the above particulars, excepting the cost, which, while as low as 

 one could expect, is the only hindrance to their use. 



Temperature. A minimum temperature of 50 degrees, rising 

 during the day to 65 degrees, will be found the proper range for the 

 best results. The humidity of the atmosphere must be greatest 

 immediately after the plants are benched to induce the formation 

 of new feeding roots, gradually reducing it when the plants show 

 signs of having become established. 



Syringing. In dull weather there is usually enough moisture 

 in the atmosphere for the needs of the plants, so far as atmospheric 

 conditions are concerned. In bright, sunny weather, syringing 

 should, of course, be more frequently practiced. No rules can be 

 laid down for this, however, as much depends upon the nature of 

 the floor of the house in the quantity of moisture it gives off, together 

 with the condition of the bench soil. If the atmosphere be too dry, 

 combined with dryness at the roots, the foliage suffers to a certain 

 extent, producing conditions favorable for the attacks of red spider, 

 aphides and fungoid diseases. To strike the happy medium good 

 judgment as the result of close observation will be necessary. 



Feeding. The plants by their behavior will suggest the neces- 

 sity for this. When manure is given in the liquid state it should be 

 weak and applied often, rather than in strong doses at long intervals. 

 Top-dressing with manures and fertilizers should be made the sub- 

 ject of careful experiment. It is not safe to follow given rules, as 

 what may suit some soils will not act the same way with others. 



Disbudding. The lateral buds should be removed as soon as 

 they are large enough to be handled. If allowed to develop, they 

 are simply a drain on the resources of the terminal bud; and, al- 

 though they look well with the flower, still large flowers without 

 them bring higher prices. 



