THE CARNATION IN SCOTLAND. 
355 
delayed till the end of that month there is a risk of failure. The 
beneficial effects of early planting are these : The plants become 
firmly established before winter, and are quite unaffected by the 
hardest frosts. They begin to flower earlier, and produce on an 
average five to ten times the number of blooms, and these too of 
finer quality. Many varieties assume a modified perpetual habit, 
and do not stop the production of flowers until the approach of 
winter puts a period to the growth of vegetation. The plants, 
again, make more grass, which comes earlier into condition for 
layering than it does on weakly plants ; and, finally, these early 
layers root more quickly than those put down later. 
The position I should prefer for Carnation beds would be a 
border sheltered from the east but with full exposure to the 
west ; where, in winter, the plants would be somewhat protected 
from frosts and from the evil east winds of spring ; and 
where, in summer, they would be sheltered during the hottest 
part of the day from burning sunshine, whilst at the same time 
receiving sufficient warmth in the latter part of the day to 
supply all their needs. However, it is only occasionally that 
such an ideal position can be secured, and Carnations do well 
almost anywhere, provided they are not closely shut in by trees. 
The soil ought, if possible, to be in such good condition as not 
to require manuring when the beds or borders are prepared for 
planting. It is doubtful, indeed, if the addition of manure is 
ever beneficial, and it is always attended by risk to the health 
of the plants. I have the greatest hesitation to apply fresh 
manure under any conditions ; a dressing of leaf- soil, not too 
much decayed, is vastly to be preferred. The soil again is better 
if dug some time previous to planting, and if it has been under 
potatos or some such quickly grown crop, I have put in 
Carnations without any digging at all ; and in our light soil I 
invariably have to make it firm beforehand. A little nice 
compost mixed with the soil to place round the roots of each 
plant causes them to become established more quickly. 
For yellow Carnations, and those with a dehcate constitution, 
a layer of soil a few inches thick, composed of leaf soil and sand, 
mixed into the surface of the ground, is necessary to produce 
strong and healthy growth. The beds for these should also be 
raised a few inches above the general level. Carnations ex- 
ceedingly dislike deep planting. I have experimented with very 
