PINKS— PROPAGATION AND CULTURE. 



removed. Firmly inserted in June, 2 inches apart either in well-drained boxes or in 

 a shallow bed of sandy, loamy soil under a hand-light, or in a frame, at the foot of a 

 north wall or fence they speedily emit roots. They will also do so in cool, shaded 

 positions without a covering of glass. Pipings are the growths of Pinks sharply pulled 

 out of their sockets, and have neither a joint 

 at the base, like cuttings, nor a heel like slips 

 (see / and g, page 323). Pink pipings root 

 the most surely on a very mild or nearly 

 exhausted hot-bed, kept closed and shaded 

 during the daytime for a week or ten days, 

 but exposed on still, dewy nights ; and when 

 rooted gradually expose to the full sunshine. 

 All young pinks, however raised, ought to be 

 ready for planting in August to be firmly 

 established before winter. Seed should be 

 sown in March or April as advised in the 

 case of Carnations, and the young seedlings be 

 similarly treated. 



Cultural Details. — Prepare the ground 

 in the same thorough manner as recommended 

 for Carnations and Picotees. They succeed 

 well in slightly raised, 4 feet wide beds. 

 Carefully move and plant firmly, at least 6 

 inches apart ; again making the soil firm after 

 frosts have loosened it. A winter mulching 

 of leaf soil or decayed manure acts beneficially. 

 A close look-out must be kept for slugs and 

 other enemies to Pinks. If a winter mulching 

 is not given apply one in the spring. Plower 



stems will develop late in May and should each be loosely tied to a light stake 15 to 

 18 inches in length. Weak stems should only carry one bloom, the side buds being 

 early and carefully removed, but comparatively strong stems may be allowed to develop 

 two or three blooms. Protect the flowers from sunshine and rain with a framework 

 supporting a covering of oiled canvas or cotton blinds. 

 vol. i. u u 



Figr. 150. Show Pinks. 



