1S77.] 
THE CARNATION AND PICOTEE.-CHAPTER XVI. 
87 
for fruits deficient both in size and flavour are too frequently met with; and if 
such instances could be traced to their course, I feel no manner of doubt but that 
it would be found that quality has been sacrificed to quantity. When I read 
accounts of the many dozens of fruits which have been taken from one tree, I 
feel almost to pity the generous tree, and feel convinced that the cultivator 
would have had more satisfaction in taking only half the quantity, which would 
probably have made all the difference between perfection and mediocrity in the 
fruit itself—besides its influence on the tree—either giving it a good lift towards 
extinction, or enabling it for many years to yield a sufficiently abundant pro¬ 
duce. Let us remember that trees which have arrived at a healthy and well- 
developed prime are far more easy and satisfactory in their management, for 
they seem, as it "were, to settle down to their work, and having thrown off the 
superabundant vigour of youth, to commence that generous return of frait which 
is the ultimate object of their existence ; and it is by economising the strength 
which is necessary for its production, that they may be made to continue to yield 
a fair supply for many years. 
But simultaneously with all the foregoing operations connected with the 
training and manipulation of the roots and branches, there are several others 
which are equally important to the well-doing of the trees and the perfection of 
the fruit, and to which a due share of attention must be paid during the whole 
of the time they have been in progress, and to them I will advert in my next 
chapter.— -John Cox, Redleaf. 
THE CARNATION AND PICOTEE. 
Chapter XVI.—Descriptions of the Best Varieties, Old and New (continued). 
next in order are the brilliant 
Scarlet Flake Carnations. 
Anxiuilator (Jackson).—A seedling evidently from Admiral Curzon, S.B., 
■which it closely follows in its habit of growth and flower, save that it has no bizarre. 
It is a fine variety, and well deserving wide cultivation. I see, however, no warrant 
in its properties for its fearfully bellicose name, for certainly it in no point transcends Sports¬ 
man or John Bayley, both which were in cultivation when Annihilator was originated. 
Florists, as a body, are gentle and placable men, and though warm upholders of their various 
favourites, are little given to exterminations or annihilations, except as applied to the pests 
of the garden. We must assume, therefore, some distemper of our late friend’s imagination 
when ho adopted such an unwholesome designation. A good grower, but should on no account 
be highly stimulated. Medium early in bloom. First bloomed in 18G5 ; sent out in 18G7. 
Clipper (Fletcher).—Raised at North Brierley, near Bradford, from seed taken from 
John Bayley, this variety closely follows its parent in habit of flower, though slightly 
different in its habit of growth, being freer, narrower, and more elongated in its grass. A 
very fine sort. Sent out in 1873. Mr. Rudd says of it:—“ With me it has constantly been 
the best Scarlet Flake in my collection.” It has a fine broad, smooth petal, well continued 
to the crown, fine white, and very brilliant scarlet; will carry two, sometimes three, flowers 
to a plant. Being very high in colour, it should not bo strongly stimulated, but growing- 
freely, it must not bo cramped for room in its blooming quarters. Medium early in bloom.” 
James Ciieetiiam (Chadwick).—Raised from mixed seed by the late Mr. William 
Chadwick, of Dukinfield, and first bloomed in 1859, when also it Avas sent out, I have little 
doubt it springs from Sportsman, or Curzon, the parent of Sportsman, Avhich it closely 
follows in its habit of flower, and much resembles in its grass. It is, however, vory distinct, 
having a rich dense scarlet, in place of the bright scarlet of Sportsman. Petal broad, smooth, 
