THE 



GARDEN GUIDE. 



Decembee, 1865. 



THE CHRYSANTHEMUM IN 18G5. 



HE exhibitions lately held in various parts 

 of London, and in a few provincial towns, 

 indicate that the chrysanthemum has lost 

 none of its popularity, though, upon the 

 whole, both plants and flowers have been 

 less perfect than in former years. The fact 

 that during the whole of the growing 

 season the plants had not the benefit of a 

 single drop of rain, goes far enough to 

 account for some of the deficiencies of the 

 exhibitions, without opening up any further 

 inquiry. But in spite of the difficulties 

 cultivators have had to contend with in the 

 long, hot, dry season that has now come to a close, chrysanthemums 

 have been exhibited profusely, and there haye not been wanting, at all 

 the exhibitions, abundant examples of skilful and painstaking cultiva- 

 tion. It would be strange if a year should pass without a great 

 November show in or near London ; and as in former seasons the 

 Horticultural Society's Garden at Kensington, the Crystal Palace, or 

 the Agricultural Hall, Islington, have been the scenes of floral festivity, 

 so this season the ancient Guildhall of the City of London was the 

 favoured spot, and the undertaking was crowned by a more complete 

 success than ever attended a great November show before. As for the 

 Horticultural Society, it has long ceased to command the essentials of 

 success in exhibitions. The last of its chrysanthemum shows afforded 

 entertainment to a few dozen persons who visited it, by the ludicrous 

 spectacle presented by one exhibitor standing alone in his glory, for the 

 only plants shown on the occasion were those sent by Mr. Forsyth, of the 

 vol. vni. — yo. xii. n 



