290 THE) FLORIST. 
this*year, I doubt not ‘he willebring forward’ something’ reall¥ 
valuables’ Itimay perhaps be superfluous’ to’ say anything 
about the cultivation of so well-known a flower; but as there 
may be some who would’ like to follow a Sakcddsful™ grower in. 
his plans, Iwill just give'a few hints as to the way in which 
they are managed by one of the first growers, in the. kingdom, 
Soil and: Situation—-The Pink, being ‘a’ hardy flower)'is, unlike its 
congeners, the. Carnation: and Picotee, hot)so ‘particular in thesé respects. 
Where a garden is tolerably dry;iand has been’ well: cared for for’ some 
years, any part of itwill growithems “To dooit properly, the’ ground 
shouldbe well.trenched, andia. layer!of::cow-duno three! or four inches 
deep, slightly mixed with the soil, should be laid about five meheés 
beneath the surface; these’ beds should ibe prepared not latér'than the 
latter end of September, The beds are best; raised: afew inches above 
the level) of the: garden, as:wet-is injurious’ to the well- Being! of the 
plants during the winter months. If the soil of the garden isnot 
suitable, a mixtureof yellowish loam; garden: mould, aiid rotteh manure, 
of about one-third each, with some road ee to keep it pl is as good 
a ¢compostorasiean be: used.son 
Planting out.—This should be effected nobilaterctlrax frre ite Lot 
tothe: 17thiof October';if plantedslater( there’ 1s great) risk? of ‘their 
not coming laced in the spring. In selecting plants the ‘mistake ig? 
oftentimes committed of choosing: thes bushiest: “ones; ‘the consequence 
is, that they throw up a large quantity of flower- stems, noneof whieh’ 
are so strong as those that comeifromsmaller but stouter plants } about 
Seven inches apart is)avery good! distance, and‘ care:will' be | reqtiired 
as to the distribution of colours and height of the various sorts, 2/0!" 
Wanter> and Spring Management.-+Being, as’ Phave* said} hardy, 
they will not require protection. Of course care will be given to’the! 
cleanliness of the:beds; and:sometimesa«the plants become loosened by 
alternate, frosts: and thaws; they«will: thenorequire ‘tightening “in! the 
soil agains, Im April or, May-the beds will require’a/ goodtop- “dressing, 
to encourage the plants | for bloorning); this ‘should) be! of) well‘rotted 
inanure passed throughoa sieve; it may either»be laid'on the ‘surface of 
the beds or slightly forked in, the nourishing ingredients washed: ee = 
to the roots greatly stimulate the growth of the plants: 
Blooming.—The ’ plants, .asiithey: spimdle for) bloom, lekutdo the 
carefully watched;»,and only three or |/at: ‘most! fourstems allowéd’ 
to. remain) on each plant); | these shouldybe: tied to. neat) stakes) ‘and® 
as. the, buds appear’ only three” or : four shculd’ be left) on “each: stem 
If the weather should bes dry, at this season, the watering- pot’ should 
be freely: used; as: the) buds: swellj those which are liable to’ ie 
shouldbe! tied: “with a piécesof ‘bast mat; but we are getting’ so” 
many ofthe long- podded. varieties, that ere long itis: to’be hoped! 
this process may beodone away with. | Those who look for extra fine? 
blooms) will now ‘shade, «either: with smallo glasses, ontop: of which 
a piece of Rhubarb leaf: is:-laid, when theysun yis' out; ‘or with pieces of! 
flat board; thus managed, a’ fine bloom ‘willbe: secured; and let noone! 
imagine this is too troublesome, no flower can be: grown properly 
