402 THE GARDENER. [Sept. 



destroyed by frost. As a pot-plant it is a very effective and desir- 

 able subject; but is most useful and effective as a mixed border- 

 plant, and for large beds. It grows about 18 inches in height, 

 branches freely, and is as rigid in habit almost as a young thorn-tree. 

 It stands ordinary winters in the open borders, and during the most 

 severe weather will live with very slight protection. For mixing into 

 borders of hardy plants it has no equal as a bright yellow flower ; 

 while for lines and large beds it is splendid, and the wonder is that 

 it is not more extensively used as a decorative border-plant. There 

 are several other varieties that bloom at the same early date, but 

 precocite is the most effective and useful. Still the others, being of 

 various colours, are also desirable. 



C. delphine caboche, a purplish-rose variety, is a little taller than 

 precocite. C. illustratim is about 18 inches high, having pink 

 flowers with orange centre ; this is a very effective variety. C. 

 indicum nanum has immense and very double white flowers, and 

 is of neat compact growth. C. Scarlet Gem has rather dull crimson 

 flowers, and is dwarf and stiff in habit. These varieties of Chrysanthe- 

 mums should be grown by all lovers of mixed borders. Precocite 

 and indicum nanum are the best ; but all are worth a place, and can 

 be grown with very little trouble. Of course, to enable them to keep 

 on blooming for months, they require generous treatment, and water- 

 ing in hot dry weather ; but this applies to most border-plants. 



A. P. 



HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 



FLOWER-GAEDEN. 



Valuable kinds of plants in open ground are not safe from frost at 

 this season, and should be lifted and potted, or protected at night. 

 Propagating should be brought to a close as early as circumstances 

 will allow, except in the case of Calceolarias and Pansies, which may 

 be left till next month. Pits on which glass-lights can be placed suit 

 well for Calceolarias. Pansies, after they are rooted, will stand almost 

 any weather ; but to have nice fresh plants to turn out in spring, a 

 few glass-lights will do much towards that end. Take note of the 

 rooted stock of cuttings and others on the way, and see that they are 

 sufficient for the demand. Look well to the staking of Dahlias, 

 Hollyhocks, and other tall-growing plants ; as, if frost keeps off, they 

 may be found useful for months to come. Many herbaceous plants 

 can now be replanted with good soil with best results ; but when 

 such work is done, it is better to regulate and renew the whole border 

 — fresh soil and manure may be wanted. They should be kept thin, 

 and regulated according to height. There is plenty of time to think of 

 this when flowering is quite over for the season ; but now is the time 

 to note heights, &c., before the tops die down. Hedge-clipping and 



