258 
CULTURE OF TIIE CARNATION. 
and of whatever colours the flowers may be composed, they should 
be perfectly distinct. The centre of the flower should not rise too 
high above the other parts; but the whole flower should be somewhat 
flat and even, and perfectly round at the outside. Each petal should 
have a due proportion of white, which should be perfectly pure and 
free from blemishes or spots;—of Bizarres, somewhat less than one 
half; Flakes, about one half; and Picotees, a little more than one 
half. 
These flowers are usually propagated by layers, but they will also 
grow by pipings; and new varieties are raised from seeds. As very 
double flowers seldom produce seed, they are not to be depended upon 
for it; but in selecting plants for the purpose, always choose such 
plants as possess the very best properties in every other respect, except 
being double; that is, let the colours be clear and vivid, the petals 
strong, and well placed, and in every other respect answering to the 
above description. When these plants are selected, separate them 
from the rest, and place their pots upon a stage, in any open situation 
in the garden, sheltering the flowers from rains, by the covers here¬ 
after described. Give them a regular supply of water, until the seed 
is perfectly ripe, which will take place in August, and which will be 
known by the seed-vessels becoming brown, and the seeds nearly 
black. This must be particularly attended to, for if gathered too soon, 
by far the greater part will be unproductive. It is always the best 
carefully to draw out the withered petals as soon as they become dry, 
because they are liable to cause mouldiness, by retaining a certain 
portion of moisture. When the seed is gathered, allow it to remain 
in the capsule until the middle of the following May, for it keeps 
much better in this way than when shaken out into paper. 
Sowing Seed .—Fill some pots or pans with the compost in which 
the plants arc recommended to be potted to within half an inch of 
the top at the edges, but somewhat higher in the middle. Sprinkle 
the soil with water, sow the seed, and cover it lightly with the same 
compost, finely sifted. When sown, place the pans in an airy part of 
the garden, keep the soil moderately moist, and shade them from the 
heat of the sun and dashing rains. When the seedling plants are 
three inches high, and have six leaves, plant them out on a bed of 
rich mould, composed of good loam and rotten dung, equal parts. 
Plant them in rows, about ten inches apart in the mv, and twelve 
inches from row to row. When planted out, fix a quantity of hoops 
over the bed, and by means of mats, or other similar covering, shelter 
them from the effects of rains and frosts. By these means they will 
usually flower the following summer. 
