CHINESE CHRYSANTHEMUM. 403 



that a similar shelter should be given against the 

 south-west winds. As the winds are less frequent 

 from the eastern point at the season when the 

 Chrysanthemum flowers, we have found them re- 

 tain their beauty longest in spots that have been 

 open to the south or south-east aspect, although in 

 mild autumns these plants will flourish in almost 

 any situation, nor are they particular as to soil, ex- 

 cepting it be too wet ; but they thrive best in a 

 light free earth, and are observed to preserve the 

 colours well in such soil. To increase the size of 

 the flowers, the earth should be mixed with about a 

 third part of rotten dung that has been taken from 

 a melon or cucumber bed ; and if a top dressing of 

 the same rich manure be given to the plants when 

 the flower-buds appear, it will greatly contribute 

 towards enlarging the corollas, particularly if rain 

 or watering follow. 



The Chrysanthemum sends out a great quantity 

 of fibrous roots, in order to supply the numerous 

 flowering stems with nourishment — consequently the 

 earth within its reach soon becomes exhausted : 

 therefore the plants should not be suffered to flower 

 more than two years without being removed to 

 other spots, or having the soil changed, as without 

 this precaution the blossoms will become small and 

 poor ; and rather than sufl"er the plants to become 

 too large, it is best to separate them every year, 



