68 FAMILIAR GARDEN FLOWERS. 



When pinks are grown in any quantity, a good bed 

 should be prepared for them, rich and deep, but in a 

 sunny, well-drained situation. The month of September 

 is the best time for a general planting of pinks, more 

 especially when the plants are purchased and named varie- 

 ties are preferred. 



Named pinks are multiplied from layers and pipings, 

 the last being most in favour. Pipings are taken from the 

 slender shoots at the time the plants are in flower. They 

 should be cut at a length of three or four joints below the 

 growing tuft, or " grass," and this tuft, or grass, must be 

 somewhat shortened. A bed should be prepared in a cool 

 shady spot, such as the north side of a hedge, or in the 

 partial shade of old gooseberry-trees. About four inches of. 

 fresh fine soil should be spread, and on this the pipings 

 should be firmly planted three inches apart. 



