ed with skill from the
finest varieties will produce plants yielding hundreds of flowers of
which the grower need not feel ashamed. Since the introduction of the
early-flowering class, which can easily be had in bloom within six
months from date of sowing, an immense impetus has been given to the
culture of Carnations from seed, and with judicious management it is not
a difficult matter to insure a succession of these delightful subjects
almost the year through. For the decoration of greenhouses and for
providing cut flowers, seedling Carnations have a special value, which
has only to be known to be universally appreciated. No trouble should be
experienced with high-class seeds, which germinate freely and save much
time and labour in comparison with the more tedious process of
propagation; while an occasional new break may at times reward the
raiser.

The proverb that what is worth doing is worth doing well is peculiarly
exemplified in the cultivation of Carnations, the difference between the
results of good and bad work being immense. We therefore advise the
preparation of a compost consisting of about three parts of turfy loam,
to one part each of cow-manure and sweet leaf-mould, with a small
addition of fine grit. A compost that has been laid up for a year,
according to the orthodox practice of florists, is very much to be
desired; but it may be prepared off-hand if care be taken to have all
the materials in a sweet, friable state, free from pastiness, and as far
as possible free from vermin. By laying it in a heap, and turning two or
three times, the vermin will be pretty well got rid of. Sow from April
until August in 4-1/2 inch pots, which must be thoroughly drained. The
seed must be very thinly covered, and sheets of glass should be laid
over to check evaporation. Place the pots in a closed frame, or if the
season be genial a sheltered border will suffice. Immediately the plants
are large enough to handle, prick them off into seed-pans, or round the
edge of 48-size pots. Place these in a cold pit or in the greenhouse.
Give shade and water until the plants have formed six or eight leaves,
and then choose a moist day for planting out.

To insure flowering plants in the following summer it is necessary to
have them strong and robust before the winter sets in. As the blooming
stems rise they must be carefully tied to tall sticks, stout enough to
carry a cover for the bloom, if the plants are not flowered under glass