CLOVE CARNATION. 161 



Propagation by layers is more certain than 

 that by cuttings, and is the most common method 

 pursued, especially with the choicer sorts. The 

 usual time is when the plants are in full flower, 

 or immediately afterwards. Choose the shoots 

 which are most conveniently placed for layering. 

 Trim off all the leaves, except those at the extre- 

 mity, which only require their ends shortened 

 as is advised to be done with pipings. Then, 

 clearing the surface of the pot or border, and 

 stirring it up a little, lay on round the plant an 

 addition of fine fresh compost of sufficient thick- 

 ness to receive the layers. A bundle of little 

 hooked sticks, about five inches long, should be 

 previously got ready : those made from the stalks 

 of fern will very well answer the purpose. A 

 thin, keen penknife is most convenient for mak- 

 ing the incisions. Lifting up the shoot with one 

 hand, and bending it towards the stem of the 

 plant, enter the knife about a quarter of an inch 

 below the second joint from the top, sloping the 

 edge inwards and upwards so as to divide the 

 joint and shoot up the middle, nearly as far as the 



M 



