94 THE AMATEURS’ GUIDE 
hand. When inserted, draw the earth up nearly, to the top of the 
slips, pressing neatly and closely the same, and cut any inequali- 
ties of the top even. Give moderate waterings in dry weather 
during the first season after planting. Where parallel lines are to 
be set out, a garden-line should be used to lay off the ground. In 
trimming, the month of October should be selected. 
CARNATION PINKS. 
These beautiful plants are very desirable acquisitions to the 
garden, and when well grown, the beauty and odor of their flow- 
ers cannot be surpassed. They should have a rich deep soil, and 
may be propagated from seed, pipings, or layers. The latter will 
‘be found preferable to either of the former and the most successful 
method. In layering, the lowest young shoots should be selected. 
Pull off the under leaves and cut a small slit or gash upward at 
a joint on the under side Lay that portion in the earth two or 
three inches deep, as the plant will admit, and peg the shoot 
down with a small hooked stick, keeping the top upright above 
ground and the slit part open, bending it carefully so as not to 
break at the incision. Press the soil gently around with the fing- 
ers, and cut off about half an inch of the top of the shoot. The 
sap will granulate at the wound and throw out roots, and, if kept 
moderately moist, in about four or six weeks, they will be suffi- 
ciently rooted to sever from the parent plant, when they may be 
transplanted or permitted to remain until the ensuing spring. In 
the latter case, they should be protected with leaves, straw, or the 
branches of evergreens. If desired, they may be planted in pots 
as soon as they have taken root and placed in the pit, where they 
can be kept with perfect safety, if air be given them in mild 
weather. As soon as the plants are done flowering, is the proper 
time to select for this purpose. 
The operation of piping consists in planting detached parts 
of the young shoots, which either pull out of the pipe or cut 
