46 BOOK OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 



any growths on its stem, the plant should be turned out 

 of its pot and planted in an old cucumber bed, or other 

 place where there is a gentle warmth, laying the stem 

 along on the surface of the soil, keeping it sufficiently 

 moist. This should start it into growth, when cuttings 

 may be taken off and inserted into small pots ; grow these 

 on and see what the flowers resemble the following 

 season. 



If they all come true and of the same colour as the 

 sport, they may be grown on again, using only base 

 cuttings this time, to increase the stock. Should, how- 

 ever, any of them show signs of reverting to the old 

 form, they must be discarded and placed with the general 

 stock. The plants that are still true may be grown on 

 another season, so as to make positively sure that the 

 sports are fixed before sending them out on the market. 

 It is a great mistake to send sports or seedlings out too 

 soon. Trade growers will always pay a good price for 

 a desirable novelty. 



