24 BOOK OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 



have been creosoted. This is a deadly chemical to plants, 

 and a sure weed-killer if applied as such. 



In arranging the plants in rows, keep all labels on one 

 side and all varieties together, and Japanese, Incurves, 

 etc., in their sections. All this will be a great advantage 

 to the grower later, when the time comes for bud- 

 taking, housing, etc. He will be able to tell at a glance 

 how each variety is doing, and act accordingly. Whereas, 

 if varieties and sections are all mixed in general confusion, 

 the labour will be doubly difficult. 



Each plant should be carefully staked as soon as 

 possible after the final potting has taken place. 



The stakes should be chosen of such lengths as it is 

 considered the growths will reach. Light bamboo canes, 

 from g feet upwards, are very suitable for this purpose. 

 They are cheap, strong, and clean, and generally last for 

 two or three seasons. 



When the plants are arranged in their places under 

 or against the wires, the stakes should be tied to the latter 

 and the plant to the stake ; this will assist in preventing 

 them blowing about in any gales that may arise. Also 

 later on some of the growths may be tied to the wires in 

 the same way. 



Of course I am referring chiefly to the tall-growing 

 varieties that are to carry large blooms. The dwarfer 

 kinds, Earlies, Singles, and Pompons, will not require 

 this support, but only such staking as is necessary. 



Water should be given the plants more freely as they 

 become more established, indeed it will be a necessity to 

 look them over two or even three times a day during the 

 hot, dry weather, in the early morning, midday, and 

 again in the afternoon. 



To ascertain the condition of a plant if requiring 

 water, the pot should be rapped with the knuckles, or 

 a small mallet made for the purpose. If the pot gives 

 forth a hollow sound similar to the tone of a bell, water 



