PLANTS WORTH GROWING 
131 
of culture. Propagation is generally effected by 
layering, which should be done during July or August. 
First remove the surface soil around a plant to 
form a shallow basin, about two inches in depth. 
Fill this with a mixture of sifted leaf- mould, loam, 
and a liberal addition of sharp sand. Take each 
well-developed growth individually, cutting away a 
few of the lower leaves, and with a small sharp knife 
make an in- 
cision imme- 
diately below 
the underside 
of a conveni- 
ent joint. 
Turn the edge 
of the blade 
in an upward 
direction and 
cut through 
the centre 
of the stem 
as far as the next joint. Keep the cut open, and 
very gently — in order not to snap the weakened 
stem— press into the prepared soil, holding the 
growth in position by means of a layering pin 
or a hooked peg made from stiff birch twigs. When 
each shoot is layered cover over the pegged portions 
with more of the compost, pressing gently so that 
the whole is neatly finished off in a slightly raised 
mound. Water with a fine-rosed can, and repeat 
Layering Carnations. 
The stems when pegged down must be covered with soil to 
the base of the foliage. 
