Chrysanthemums of 1896. 315 



mystifying to the general reader and of interest only to the trade, 

 we have given accounts of behavior and judgments of merit. 

 The men who created these things have described them in their 

 own catalogues. Moreover, no description can have the influence 

 of a picture, and in this picture- making age there are few 

 novelties that are not illustrated in the catalogues or trade journals. 

 While all admit that it is unsafe to recommend or condemn 

 any novelty on one year's acquaintance, some judgment must be 

 made. By placing the word ''good " at the head of the following 

 list we do not mean to guarantee the essential and permanent 

 merit of any variety. These varieties are the ones that behaved 

 best with us, and of the hundred or more sorts tested, these 

 twenty are, in our judgment, the ones most likely to achieve 

 anything resembling permanent success. But the problems of 

 variety-study must forever contain uncontrollable factors. The 

 analysis can never be complete, and therefore the prophecy can 

 never be as certain as in some other departments of science. 



Good Varieties. 

 Twenty-four varieties are named somewhat in the order of 

 merit under their respective colors. The names in parentheses 

 indicate the source of stock plants and usually the introducer. 



Whites. 



Le?iawee (Smith). — By far the largest and most attractive flower in our 

 ■collection of 1896. The form is strikingly individual. Early, prolific and 

 one of the longest keepers. The only possible objection to it is that it may 

 be too flat and sprawling for use in bunches of cut flowers. Fig. 86. 



Smith, Lady Esther (Owen). — Easily the largest and best of the 

 varieties received from England for trial. Rays four inches long and often an 

 inch or more wide, very flat, and of good substance. Apparently quite ideal. 



Infatuation (May). — Smaller than the last but of good size. Early, and 

 lasts three weeks on the plant. Form distinct and attractive. 3Irs. W. P. 

 Raynor was a few days later with us, but otherwise almost an even choice 

 with Infatiiatiott. 



Yanoma ( Smith ) . — By far the best late white we have ever grown. Except- 

 ionally prolific, and has all the traits of thoroughbred commercial sorts. 



Biiettner, Gretchen (Hill). — A high-built flower of strong enough 

 :;haracter to be worthy of a permanent place in the much overcrowded 

 oiidseason section. 



Hibson, Robert F. (P. & M). — Advertised as an early, reflexed Japanese. 



was midseason wnth us, prolific, and a good commercial variety. 



Raynor, Mrs. W. P. (Spaulding). — A few days later than /;//«/«^/zc« but 

 otherwise an almost even choice. 



