FLORICULTURAL HINTS. 
139 
branches are produced, a little timely thinning will save much 
trouble at a future stage. I had the pleasure of examining a 
novel mode of planting these flowers last season, which may be 
worth mentioning. The land where they grew was very light, 
and much trouble had previously been felt in supplying them 
sufficiently with water, to obviate which was the principal in¬ 
ducement to the plan. The space they were intended to occupy 
was formed into a series of beds, sunk fully eighteen inches 
beneath the surrounding paths, a process readily accomplished 
by throwing the surface of the beds upon the walks, and so by 
lowering one the other was raised, a twofold result being gained, 
the roots of the plants were kept cooler, and the flowers brought 
to a more agreeable level with the vision; besides which the 
bottoms of the stems (always unsightly) were completely hid, 
plenty of room secured for mulching, and whatever water was 
given remained on the beds. To render the effect as pleasing as 
possible, the margins of the beds were planted thickly with 
dwarf fancy varieties, which being partially pegged down to the 
sides of the paths, effectually excluded the appearance of ditches, 
which at first it might be expected the sunken beds would pre¬ 
sent. Of course, the soil in the beds was properly prepared, and 
the plants succeeded admirably; such a plan upon heavy or 
springy land might be impracticable, but where the land is light 
and apt to dry quickly, will be found very beneficial. 
Carnations and Picotees will require the same attention as 
before advised for pinks; they must be constantly tied to their 
sticks as the stems advance, and the superfluous buds removed, 
tying the pods of the most forward just as they are about to ex¬ 
pand ; a thin slip of cane or wood passed down each division of 
the calyx is of much assistance in enabling the flowers to open 
regularly. With regard to the employment of shades for these, 
and indeed all other flowers, the beginner cannot be too strongly 
urged to be cautious; it is a very common mistake, arising in a 
commendable desire, to indulge in their use often to a ruinous 
extent; shading, it must be remembered, is beneficial to the 
bloom, but of a contrary tendency to the plant. 
The Ranunculus bed must be kept moist, and the readiest way 
to do it, is by spreading a thin layer of partially decomposed 
