TiiE Caknatiox. 161 



space, can quicklj be placed in position when wanted, 

 and will last for years if properly cared for. 



Early in-door planting requires watchfulness as well 

 as the best of facilities for keeping down the tempera- 

 ture. To grow carnations successfully, abundant ven- 

 tilation must be provided both in the roof, at the ends 

 and in both walls, and for this reason houses used for 

 them should never join each other. Build to obtain 

 the greatest amount of sunlight, but above all, provide 

 all the ventilation possible. The soil in which they are 

 planted should not be made as firm as described for 

 roses, but left loose enovigh to be able to plant with the 

 hand, after which, water well. For the first week shade 

 with a clay wash, put on every inch of air possible, and 

 if very warm, syringe the foliage with a fine spray as 

 often as it becomes dry, being careful not to saturate 

 the soil. Root action under these conditions will com- 

 mence at once, and no matter how hot it is, your plants 

 will in a week forget that they were ever moved. The 

 average night temperature in which carnations should be 

 grown for flowering, is fifty-six, but varies with varie- 

 ties, some requiring more, some less. It also depends 

 upon the use to which the plants are to be put. If it is 

 to fill up space that will be wanted for other purposes 

 after the first crop is off, they should be cut back in the 

 field with this end in view. In this case the night tem- 

 perature can be a few degrees higher, but all plants 

 which you desire should bloom from November to July 



