164 Upon the Cultivation of the Carnation. 



Before each pot is plunged I have a small quantity of soot put into 

 the bottom of the place intended for it, so that the bottom of the 

 pot may touch it when finally placed ; this I find of the greatest 

 moment, as it prevents the entry of worms, grubs, and wire-worms, 

 all of which appear to have an objection to remain near where it is, 

 and thus keeps the roots from being disturbed or destroyed, and 

 the plants in perfect health all through the summer, which cannot be 

 done by any other method that I have tried or seen. Some gardeners 

 grow the Carnations in large pots placed on the surface, others, in 

 the ground openly ; by the former method the plants are frequently 

 either too moist or too dry, and by the latter, are subject to the 

 wire-worm, grub, &c. and in summers like the last, are destroyed by 

 too much wet. 



In the season of layering, I place an inch thick of fine sandy soil 

 round each pot, in which they readily strike root. 



Never having heard of this, or a similar method, believing the plan 

 to be originally mine, and having proved its success to my satisfac- 

 tion, I am induced to make this report, which I trust will prove to 

 the gratification of those, who like myself have found great diffi- 

 culty in preserving and growing the Carnation and Piccotee even 

 moderately. 



I am, Sir, yours obediently, 



William May. 



Pickhill and Hope Nursery, 

 Leamington, Feb. 20, 1831, 



