ain
large flowers the flower stems must be "disbudded"--that is all but the
end bud on each stalk should be pinched off, thus throwing all the
strength into one large flower. If, on the other hand, the terminal bud
is taken off, and several of the side buds left, the result will be a
beautiful cluster of blooms, more pleasing, to my mind, than the single
large flowers, though not so valuable commercially.

There are any number of wonderful new varieties, but the white, pink and
light pink Enchantress, and one of the standard reds will give
satisfaction.

VIOLETS

Requiring even less heat than the carnation is the old-time and all-time
favorite, the violet. With no greenhouse at all, these can be grown
beautifully, simply with the aid of a coldframe. But where a house is to
be had, the season of blooming is, of course, much longer. The essential
thing is to get strong, healthy plants. As with the carnations, if only
a few are wanted, they may be grown in pots, using the six-inch size.
The soil, whether for pots or benches, should be somewhat heavier than
that prepared for carnations, using one-fourth to one-fifth cow manure
added to the loam or rotted sod. If a bench is used, select one as near
the glass as you can. Take in the plants with as little disturbance as
possible, and keep them shaded for a few days, as with carnations. The
plants will require to be about eight inches apart. As for care, apply
water only when the bed has begun to dry, and then until the bench is
soaked through. Pots will, of course, require more frequent attention in
this matter than a bench. Keep all old leaves picked off and the soil
stirred about the plants, with syringing and fumigating as suggested on
page 134. The temperature will be best as low as forty-five degrees at
night, and as little above fifteen more in the daytime as possible.
Where no artificial heat can be had, a fine crop through the spring
months may be had by making a smaller frame inside the regular
coldframe, and packing this space with fine dry manure, as well as
banking the outer frame. This arrangement, with two sash and mats in the
coldest weather, will keep the plants growing most of the winter, and
certainly the abundance of fragrant blooms at a season when flowers are
most scarce will amply repay you for the trouble. Some prefer the single
to the double blossoms. Marie Louise and Lady Hume Campbell (double
blue); Swanley White, and California and Princesse de