It is well-known that the tendency of the Pres. Degraw carnation to split the calyx in opening - thus spoiling the form of the flower - greatly detracts from its value for winter forcing. For some time we have been inquisitive as to the nature of the trouble, and whether or not any peculiar treatment would remedy the evil.

Last winter we had among other carnations, planted on the benches in the greenhouses, several hundred Pres. Degraw. While the buds were forming, and until they commenced opening, the soil on the bench had been kept properly moist, and the plants urged to the production of as many buds as possible. They budded and bloomed bountifully, but the flowers, as usual, manifested their old fault - splitting the calyx as they opened; evidently resulting from the thinness of the calyx and its crispness, for which reason they are unable to withstand the pressure of the crowded corolla as it expands. At this stage - for the purpose of reducing vegetative vigor, and to toughen the calyx - we kept the soil in which about half of them grew, dry; and withheld water from the roots as long as possible, though the tops were frequently syringed. The other plants were treated as usual. Then we awaited the result of the experiment, which was: The flowers on those plants which had been watered as usual while opening, kept bursting the calyx.

Those growing on the plants in the soil that had been kept dry as the flowers bloomed out, were symmetrical, and their form no longer marred by the ruptured calyx.

New Albany, Ind., Oct. 12th, 1885.

[We may add to this excellent communication, that, in our opinion, it is a general fault with carnation growers, to give more water in winter than is good for them. - Ed. G. M].