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JAPANESE. 
This class is of the most recent introduction, and con- 
tains all the most beautiful sorts in cultivation. It is to 
the Chrysanthemum what the Teas are to the Rose 
family, and was introduced from Japan into England by 
Mr. Robert Fortune, to whom we are indebted for many 
of the finest plants in cultivation to-day. So singular 
were these in shape and color, from all the reputed 
standards of perfection at that time, that they barely 
escaped total neglect, and consequent extinction. At 
the present day, however, these once neglected kinds 
stand in the first rank as decorative plants, and are vastly 
more popular, and more deservedly so, than any other 
group among Chrysanthemums, and each season sees 
some great improvement, so that the form of the flower 
has become so beautiful that it seems scarcely possible to 
still further improve it, and yet each season brings us a 
surprise in the form of some improvement over existing 
varieties. Last season the variety, Mrs. Alpheus Hardy, 
caused wonder everywhere exhibited. It is a beautiful 
white variety, while the petals are covered with delicate © 
fine hairs that gives it a unique appearance so different 
from anything ever before known among Chrysanthe- 
mums. Lilian B. Bird is also another variety that is 
largely sought after. It isa beautiful color described as 
a shrimp pink; each petal is a complete tube, and has 
the appearance of so many beautiful little straws of 
irregular lengths that renders it a variety of the most 
beautiful and interesting kind. Mrs. Carnagie also was 
very popular last season, and is a beautiful variety of 
deep crimson color. The Bride is the best white up to 
the present day in this class. The characteristics of all 
in this class is their loose and irregular form of their 
