i3 7 o.] THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. 117 



the Chrysanthemum will strike in a little warmth at this season of the 

 year; and as soon as they are sufficiently rooted, Mr James pots them 

 off into 60 -sized pots, and for a second shift into 32 -sized pots, 

 always being very careful that the plants have plenty of root-room. 

 The large-flowering varieties are never stopped ; and Mr James was 

 particularly emphatic on this point. I know that some cultivators 

 demur to this, but there is no mistake as to Mr James's view on 

 the subject. When established in the 32 -sized pots, they are 

 shifted into the blooming-pots, and put out of doors in the full sun, 

 for they are said to do best when so exposed. An abundance of water 

 is given them, no check is received, and a fine and vigorous develop- 

 ment of foliage is the result. As soon as they begin to throw up their 

 flower-buds, the disbudding process is commenced, and one shoot is 

 allowed to carry but from one to two flowers. Now also manure-water 

 is applied ; it is a time for generous feeding, and Mr James feeds them 

 with liberal diet, as if they were city aldermen. The manure-water is 

 manufactured by placing cow-dung and some pigeons'-dung in a tank, 

 and then diluting it, when administered, according to its strength. 

 Mr James uses it in that state, that if a pan 2 inches deep were filled, 

 the bottom could be seen. Just as the buds are beginning to expand, 

 the plants are arranged in the conservatory, the varieties being alternated 

 according to the colour of the flowers and the respective height of the 

 plants. For the space of three months there is a grand supply of 

 flowers ; and when the plants have done blooming, they are cut down 

 and put away in a cold frame, to make stock for the succeeding 

 season. 



Now for the sorts Mr James cultivated. Looking over his col- 

 lection, I noted down the following as very fine, which I have en- 

 deavoured to group according to their colours. Shades of crimson, 

 Albion, finely incurved; Julia Lagravere, Progne, Captivation, Sam 

 Slick, finely incurved ; Sanguinea and Dr Sharpe — this last, like Julia 

 Lagravere, is a reflexed flower, and both are thoroughly good for pot- 

 culture. Of bronze and cinnamon-coloured flowers, Josiah Wedg- 

 wood, John Salter, extra fine ; Abbe Passaglia, General Slade, Anton- 

 elli, Golden Eagle, Lord Ranelagh, Garibaldi, General Bainbrigge, Sir 

 Stafford Carey, Prometheus, Robert James, and Cherub. Of lilac and 

 rose-coloured flowers, which shades include a large number of the 

 best varieties in cultivation, there were Alma, which, though a little 

 rough, comes very fine ; Fingal, extra fine ; Lady Talfourd, Venus, 

 Ossian, Prince of Wales, Lady Slade, Lady Hardinge, Leon Lequay, 

 Princess of Wales, very fine indeed; Princess Teck, very delicately 

 tinted, one of the best ; and Little Pet, also delicate, small in size, 

 but remarkably good. Of yellow flowers, Gloria Mundi, extra fine ; 



