ower-stalks. This enables them to be used with great effect during the
dullest months of the year for all kinds of floral decorations. These
varieties are propagated by layers or cuttings or "pipings."

"Marguerite" carnations are lovely annuals remarkable for their
beautifully fringed blossoms. They are easily raised from seeds every
year, and should be treated like half-hardy annuals.

What trade growers call "jacks" are seedling carnations with single
flowers of no great value or beauty. Thousands of these are raised every
year for supplying "grass" (as the foliage is called) to put with
choicer varieties. Costermongers take advantage of the ordinary
householders' ignorance of plants by selling "jacks" as choice varieties
at a high price.

Carnations are usually propagated by "layering" the non-flowering shoots
about the second or third week in July, in the open air; but almost at
any period when proper shoots can be obtained under glass. Cuttings or
"pipings" are also inserted in rich but very gritty soil in cold frames,
or in beds with gentle bottom heat in greenhouses. The rooted layers may
be removed and potted or planted out towards the end of September, or
early in October, the choice sorts being potted in rather small pots and
kept in a cold frame during winter, when damp is dangerous.

New varieties can only be obtained from carefully saved seeds, or when a
"sport" is produced--_i.e._ when a shoot with a flower differing
entirely in colour from that of the parent plant appears unexpectedly.
"Malmaison" carnations arose in this way, and are largely cultivated in
greenhouses.

The soil for carnations and picotees should be a good turfy loam, free
from wireworm, and as fibry as it can be obtained; to four parts of this
add one part of rotten manure and one of leaf-mould, with sufficient
sharp sand to keep it loose. A moderate addition of old lime rubbish
will also be an advantage. This should be laid up in a dry place, and
frequently turned over so as to be in a free friable condition for use
towards the end of February or early in March.

Carnations are subject to several diseases, the worst being the "rust"
(_Uromyces Caryophilinus_), "leaf-spot" and maggot. The first two are
checked or prevented by spraying the plants with sulphide of potassium
(1 oz. to 10 gallons of water), taking care to avoid the painted
woodwork; while the only way to deal with the carnation maggot is to
pierce the centre of attack