48 BOOK OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 



short seed or quill florets should be at once carefully 

 removed with the tweezers or forceps, then assist the 

 petals remaining, gently inwards, to fill up the cavity. 

 Many growers allow the heads of the incurves to hang 

 downwards while developing, it being claimed for this 

 method more even curving of the base petals. Any 

 petals deformed or decayed should be removed at all 

 times immediately they are detected, and not left till the 

 time the bloom is required. Some petals will show an 

 inclination to reflex, that is, to curve outwards. These 

 must be assisted into their proper position with the aid 

 of the forceps, dexterously drawing the forceps, up the 

 petal from the base to the point, and so bringing it back 

 to its right place. 



Japanese do not require dressing like the incurves, all 

 that is necessary being to remove any deformed or out- 

 standing petals that detract from the general appearance 

 of the bloom. A very simple and effective way of 

 assisting the petals of the Japanese into their correct 

 places, is to hold the bloom head downwards by the 

 stalk and give it a gentle shake. This method may also 

 be applied just before placing them on the show bench, 

 after removing from the packing case. 



The anemones and reflexed forms, like the Japanese, 

 require little or no dressing, likewise the neat little 

 pompons of an occasional obtruding petal may be all that 

 is necessary to remove. 



STAGING BLOOMS 



I am glad there is a movement in the right direction 

 of exhibiting Chrysanthemums in a more natural manner 

 than the cup and tube system. 



I refer to the way Chrysanthemums are shown, on 

 long stems arranged in vases, a saner and certainly more 

 natural manner than wedging them down flat, or nearly 



