HARDY PLANTS. 
127 
from seed, and the flowers of which are useful for cutting; 
and “Jacks,” a vigorous type of Carnation largely grown by 
market gardeners from seed, but which produce a large pro- 
portion of single flowers of no value. For general garden 
culture the Selfs, Fancies, and Yellow-grounds are the best. 
The Flakes and Bizarres are more suitable for exhibition 
purposes. The French, German and Marguerite types may be 
grown for yielding flowers for cutting. It would take up too 
much space to give lists of varieties. Besides, new sorts are 
constantly being introduced and older ones dropping out of 
cultivation. All we shall do is to name one well-known variety 
of each group or class to guide the reader as to the identity 
of the various groups. Uriah Pike, clove-scented, is a typical 
Self ; Countess of Paris a good example of the French group; 
Germania of the German section; Achilles of the Fancies; 
and Miss Audrey Campbell of the Yellow-grounds. Readers 
who want the names of other varieties should consult up-to- 
date lists, and for fuller details as to the properties of each 
group, the Author’s book, “ Carnations, Picotees, and 
Pinks.”* Regarding the cultivation of Carnations it is 
essential tor choice kinds that they should be grown in good 
loam, deeply dug and liberally enriched with well-decayed 
manure, leaf-mould, grit or sea-sand, and sifted old mortar 
rubbish. It is also advisable to have the surface of the bed 
raised 4 in. above the ordinary level. For ordinary border 
culture ordinary soil will do, provided it contains a fair amount 
of rotten manure. Still, Carnations pay for special treatment, 
and if any of the above ingredients can be added to the soil 
so much the better. A sunny position is a sine qua non. 
Planting is best done in October or March. The plants should 
be i8in. apart, and be planted as deep as the first pair of 
leaves only. Each plant should have a stake 3ft. high and 
the flower stems tied to this. In dry weather give a good 
watering now and then, also dustings of soot in showery 
weather. As the blooms fade pick them off, and towards the 
end of July see to layering the best shoots. These will be 
rooted by the first week in October, when they may be severed 
and replaced in the borders ; or, if choice, potted in three-inch 
pots, placed in a cold frame till March, then planted out. 
To guard against an attack of wireworm fork in a month 
before planting a pound of Strawson’s Vaporite to every eight 
square yards. In the case of plants attacked by the Carnation 
Rust or Leaf Spot, spray the plants with sulphide of potassium 
and water, using one ounce to 10 gallons of water. Badly 
infected plants should be burnt. Carnations are easily reared 
* “ Carnations, Picotees and Pinks.* 1 Published by W. H. 
and L. Collingridge, 148 and 149, Aldersgate Street, London, E.C. 
