24 



changed in tlie least degree, but that it still maintains its season of 

 flowering the same as if it had remained in a temperate climate. If 

 anything, the flowering season is likely to be of longer duration than 

 in Europe, as it is there cut short in some cases by cold weather. 



The culture of the Chrysanthemum has increased in Europe to an 

 enormous extent of late years, and in some English nurseries it is said 

 that as much as two acres of ground are devoted entirely to its culture. 

 It is recorded that the first show of this flower took place in the city 

 of Norwich in 1830 when nine varieties were shown ; while now, there 

 are probably as many hundreds of varieties under cultivation. The 

 prices of Chrysanthemum plants of the different varieties, range from 

 9d. to 3/6d. per plant in England — but some of the very finest, are 

 charged at considerably higher rates. 



In growing the plant, we find it necessary to give it a rich vege- 

 table mould with plenty of drainage at the bottom of the pots or 

 tubs, and to do the potting early in April or May. The early growths 

 should be repeatedly stopped, by pinching out the heads with the 

 finger and thumb, so as to induce a bushy growth, but after the 

 month of July it will be advisable to let them grow on for the 

 flowering stage. After this season all that is required is regular 

 attention to the watering to keep them free from insects, and to sup- 

 port the growth with neat wooden sticks, so as to preserve the plant 

 in good shape during the flowering period. 



Plants can be safely imported to the West Indies in April and May, 

 by parcel post from any British or Continental nurseryman, as they are 

 then of small size and pack readily into suitable parcels for this kind of 

 transit ; and it should at the same time be remembered that it is far 

 better to import half-a-dozen really good kinds, than a larger number 

 of cheaper varieties. 



99.— NIOARAGUAN CACAO ^B.ABE.—Lonchocarpus sp. 



The seedlings of this tree were distributed during the month of 

 October, and it is gratifying to us to be able to state that considerable 

 interest was taken in the matter by our cacao planters, some having 

 applied for the plants by the thousand. Our supply Avas, hoAvever, 

 an extremely limited one, and we could only give a few for trial to 

 each planter, and it is to be hoped we may receive in due course 

 their report. 



