26o 



THE CENTURY BOOK OF GARDENING. 



into an ordinary greenhouse or garden frame, so that they may be inured to a lower 

 temperature and a freer current of air. This is an important point with the Carnation in all the 

 classes ; a close atmosphere always causes weak' growth, and also makes the plants a more easy 

 prey to insect pests. As the season advances the plants will grow rapidly, and they require to 

 be repotted as soon as the small flower-pots are fairly well filled with roots. They need 

 repotting twice after the first potting off from the cutting pots, and the largest size used are 32's, 

 or 6in. diameter, measuring inside a little below the rim. As soon as the weather is favourable 

 the plants are placed out in the open air ; they make a cleaner and sturdier growth outside, but 

 should be removed into the greenhouse as soon as the buds show the colour of the flowers. The 

 pestilent thrips are sure to be upon leaf and bud, therefore fumigating is quite necessary to the 

 production of good bloom. No measure of success can be attained in the cultivation of the 

 Carnation (or, indeed, of any other plant) unless insect pests are kept in check. It is best to 

 fumigate even if no traces of the parasites are visible. Plants to bloom in succession to the 



A CARNATION HOUSE AT GREAT BOOK HA M. 



earliest are obtained by putting in cuttings later ; indeed, it is best to continue putting in the 

 cuttings as late as the end of April, and in this way the succession of bloom is obtained. The 

 potting soil is the same for all classes of Carnations, and it is best to repot very firmly, and 

 always drain the pots well. The plants will not flower well during the winter months unless 

 the temperature is kept up to about 55deg. A dryish atmosphere is also best. The flowers 

 expand better in the dry atmosphere, but this is more conducive to the increase of insect pests, 

 and fumigation at intervals of three or four week's is necessary. Most of the varieties flower 

 freely, indeed, almost too freely, and if large flowers are wanted the side flower buds should 

 be pinched out. Given the essentials of cleanliness, free air, and light, there is no difficulty in 

 obtaining plenty of beautiful Carnations all through the autumn, winter, and spring months. 



MALMAISON CARNATIONS.— This is quite a distinct class of Carnation from any of the 

 others. The growth is very robust, and the flowers exceptionally large. They are adapted for 

 greenhouse culture only, as the large, handsome flowers do not open freely in England out of 



