MISCELLANEOUS 255 



manure, a bushel measure to lOO gallons of water. Soot ' 

 in a bag, i peck to 30 gallons of water, furnishes a clear, 

 liquid feitilizer. 



Potash for Weak-stemmed Carnations. — Weak- 

 stemmed Carnations are benefited by a light dressing of 

 sulphate of potash, 3^ oz. per sq. yd., or wood ashes from 

 hard wood which contain potash. Potash has the character- 

 istic of adding stability and strength to stems and giving 

 generally a tone and color to the foliage. 



Phosphoric Acid can be used at the rate of Yi oz. 

 to the gallon of water with good results. Like potash, but 

 in another way, it stiffens growth and inclines the plant to 

 produce flowers and seeds, should seeds be developing. 

 Iron, in the form of sulphate of iron, has an influence for 

 good on the color of the foliage, and lime, given as a light 

 dressing of slaked lime, produces the effect of sweetening 

 the soil, and is utilized to some extent directly by the roots. 



Hen Manure for Carnations. — Poultry manures 

 contain a fair percentage of nitrogen, phosphate and potash. 

 One peck of hen manure to about five gallons of water is 

 the proper proportion to use as a liquid fertilizer. Allow 

 this to stand for about a week, after which it will be fer- 

 mented. Use this liquid alternatively with a mulch of cow 

 manure. 



Nitrate of Soda. — Use one ounce to foyr gallons of 

 water about once every two weeks when the plants are well 

 into bloom and require support to continue flowering. 



Directions for Taking Notes on Carnations. — 

 Purchasers of novelties ask themselves the following 

 questions, among others, in regard to the variety: i, 



