June^ JidyJ] laying carnations and pinks. 109 



equal as in carnation. Those that are very tasteful with 

 these flowers are attentive to the manner of their opening. 

 Where the calyx is deficient in regular expansion^ to display 

 the petals; that is, where there is a tendency to burst open 

 on one side more than on the other, the opposite side in two 

 or three different indentations should be slit a little at 

 several times with the point of a small sharp knife, taking 

 care not to cut the petals, and about the centre of the calyx 

 tie a thread three or four times round to prevent any further 

 irregularitjy . Some florists and connoisseurs place cards on 

 them. This is done when the calyx is small. Take a piece 

 of thin pasteboard, about the size of a dollar, cut a small 

 aperture in its centre to admit the bud to pass through. 

 When on, tie it tight to the rod, to prevent the wind from 

 blowing it about; and when the flower is expanded, draw up 

 the card to about the middle of the calyx, and spread the 

 petals one over the other regularly upon it. When these 

 plants are in flower, their beauty may be prolonged by giving - 

 them a little shade from the mid-day sun by an awning of 

 any simple description. Where they are in pots, they can 

 be removed to a cool shady situation (but not directly under 

 trees). 



« 



OF LAYING CARNATIONS AND PINKS. 



This is a necessary and yearly operation Jo keep a supply 

 of plants, and likewise to have them always in perfection. 

 As the process of laying, though simple, may not be known 

 to all who are desirous of cultivating these plants, we will 

 give an outline of the mode of operation. Provide first a 

 quantity of small hooked twigs (pieces of Asparagus stems 

 are very suitable), about three inches long, for pegging the 

 layers down in the earth. Select the outward, strongest and 

 lowest shoots that are round the plant; trim off a few of the 

 under leaves, and shorten the top ones even with the knife, 

 and then applying it at a joint about the middle of the under 

 side of the shoot, cut about half through in a slanting direc- 

 tion, making an upward slit toward the next joint, near an 

 inch in extent; and loosening the earth, make a small oblong 

 cavity one or two inches deep, putting a little fresh light 

 earth therein. Lay the stem part where the slit is made 

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