CLOVE CARNATION. 155 



contributed to bring the flower, as well as its 

 culture, to its present perfection. 



The carnation is raised from seed, and propa- 

 gated by cuttings and layers. 



Raising from the seed affords the only chance 

 of obtaining new varieties; and, though the 

 chance of obtaining really good kinds is ex- 

 tremely precarious, yet it is the most interesting 

 part of a florist's amusement. Much depends on 

 choosing proper breeders, and procuring well- 

 ripened seed. To secure this, some management 

 is necessary in the treatment of the seed-bearing 

 plants. These must receive every attention as to 

 due watering, protection, &c. Such of the cap- 

 sules as appear to be fecundified should be as- 

 sisted by being divested of the decaying petals, 

 by pulling them away with the tweezers*, taking 

 care not to injure the stigmas or pericarpium; by 

 cutting off the reflexed extremities of the calyx 

 with scissors, and also by slitting down the latter 



♦ A piece of brass or copper wire^ ten inches long, ham- 

 || mered flat at each end, and afterwards bent into the form of 

 1 sugar-tongs. 



