56 
BEAUTIFUL GARDEN FLOWERS. 
that is not liable to burst or split. What are known 
as “Malmaison” Carnations are a distinct section 
which originally sported from D. Caryophyllus, and 
are only fit for greenhouse cultivation. During the 
summer months, however, the plants may be grown in 
the open air to secure a better ripening of the growths. 
The “ Tree Carnations,” supposed to be derived from 
a variety called fruticosus, are tall-growing plants, the 
stems of which continue to branch and develop blooms 
in succession for a long period, and hence are also 
known as “ Perpetual ” Flowering Carnations. At 
one time they were not very highly thought of, but 
of recent years they have become very popular. They 
are brought to perfection under glass, and many ex- 
cellent and free-flowering varieties are now obtain- 
able. (Specimens are shown on Plate 23.) 
The various sections of Carnations flourish in a 
rich and well-drained loamy soil, with plenty of sand 
and leaf soil in it. In the open air, particular atten- 
tion should be given to having the soil deeply dug ; and 
if at all inclined to be heavy and wet, it should be 
made lighter and drier by the addition of grit, or 
mortar rubble, and be also raised a few inches above 
the surrounding level to ensure better drainage. 
The best time for planting Carnations in the open 
air is the first or second week in September, or else 
about the end of March or early in April. Late 
planting in autumn often leads to disaster, as the 
young plants have not sufficient time to become estab- 
lished before the winter sets in. 
The simplest plan to raise a supply of sturdy 
young plants is by “layering.” This operation is 
