DIANTHUS. 



83 



the cuttings root they will commence to grow, and 

 should be transplanted to small pots or two or three 

 in a large pot, if preferred. Cuttings of the Dian- 

 thus root at a lower temperature than most other. 



To increase by layers, when the plant is in full 

 bloom or a little past, trim all except the two ter- 

 minal leaves from a side branch, and cut upward 

 through the third joint, commencing from the under 

 side, half severing the stalk with an oblique incis- 

 ion. Fasten this point carefully to the earth with 

 a hooked peg and cover it with an inch of sifted 

 mold and water slightly. In four or six w-eeks, 

 when they have rooted, separate from the parent 

 stem and pot. 



GENERAL TREATMENT. 



Carnations may be bedded in the open ground 

 early in the season, but plants which are designed 

 for winter flowering should not be allowed to bloom 

 through the summer. Cutting the flower stalks 

 back also induces a stocky growth, their natural 

 habit being tall and slight. Pot them in Septem- 

 ber, keep shaded a few days, then give them a 

 sunny window and a frequent bath to keep their 

 foliage fresh and free from insects. A weekly ap- 

 plication of liquid manure benefits them, and will 

 sometimes force a barren plant to bloom. 



Florists enumerate several hundred varieties of 

 Carnations. The following list embraces a broad 

 range of colors, including the latest and most im- 

 proved kinds. 



