80 THE GARDENER. [Feb. 



cultural details) which are met with more or less in the gardens of 

 those who have to manage their own gardening with the help of a 

 " man-of-all-work," &c. Therefore language and instructions are 

 given in their most simple form ; so that any who can read English may 

 not be at a loss — the Chrysanthemum being one of the most easily 

 and generally cultivated plants we have (and it is often on our list). 

 We think what is successful with ourselves (using as little labour and 

 expense as possible) should be the same with amateurs, at least those 

 who have little or no glass, and not much experience. Why we say, in 

 IMay " Plunge the pots to keep the roots from being scorched by sun," 

 we consider is answered by "Teetotaller" (see page 37 of January 

 1871), who says, ^' The grower of this plant need have no fear of his 

 stock getting their roots burned if he keeps them well supplied with 

 water." 



During the past season, both in England and Scotland, there has 

 been a severe drought, and three-fourths of the gardens in the country 

 have suffered from scarcity of water ; and where roots of plants, out 

 of doors especially, have been plunged, much water and labour must 

 have been saved. Surely under these circumstances it is right to 

 recommend what gives least labour or attention. But we will go 

 further, and recommend not only to plunge Chrysanthemum pots, but 

 everything that is exposed to either frost, sun, or air ; and to keep the 

 roots of the most hardy plants right in frosty weather, they should not 

 be exposed above ground. 



In the terrible winter of 1855, we remember a good collection of 

 Chrysanthemums living through the severe weather with the pots 

 plunged in coal-ashes, and some of same material thrown over their 

 crowns. This was in the lower part of Wilts, where the thermometer 

 was frequently under zero. With Camelias, Heaths, Acacias, Epacris, 

 Cytisus, and many other things for autumn and winter flowering, we 

 plunge their pots, and place the plants full in the sun, using a slight 

 shade for Camelias only. The result from this practice is all we could 

 wish. Hyemalis and Autumnalis Heaths which were plunged have 

 been in flower since October, and have done excellent service for 

 cutting — their shoots being from 15 to 20 inches high. Many plants 

 are often placed in the shade to keep them healthy, because exposing 

 their pots and foliage to sun at the same time would finish them, 

 though their natural quarters may be on the face of hills and moist 

 rocks. Keep the roots of any kind of plants from scorching, and they 

 will stand a good deal of sun. 



If we are " far from right " regarding the Chrysanthemum, we are 

 in good company — ^as that champion grower, Mr Hignett (who, I 

 believe, has grown some of the finest specimens the world ever saw). 



