178 CARNATIONS. 
r*T aMm, -T rr r ■' i 1 ———— 
part fhould not be injured: but it is 
neceffary to cut it off clofe to the joint, 
for it would decay if fuffered to remain, 
and perhaps communicate its rottennefs 
to the joint itfelf, and deftroy the plant. 
At the time when the incilion is made, 
the (hoot, or layer, fhould be held be¬ 
tween the thumb and fingers of the left 
hand, and bent upwards ; otherwife the 
knife muff neceffarily enter confiderably 
below the joint, in order to pafs through 
the centre of it; but when held in this 
curved pofition, a quarter of an inch 
below it will be fufficient, and attended 
' ■ ^ 
with lefs danger than if begun lower. 
After the incifion is made, the layer is 
to be gently forced down to the earth, 
with great care to avoid breaking it off, 
or even cracking it at the joint, which 
would prevent a due communication of 
juices from the old plant, fo neceffary 
for 
