SUMMER CHRYSANTHEMUMS 67 



most floriferous habit, qualities that will recommend 

 them to all lovers of this class of plants. 



I must now make mention of the little Pompons, our 

 earliest form of outdoor Chrysanthemum. These were 

 cultivated successfully long before the Japanese forms 

 came in, and have many admirers even down to the 

 present day. Their neat little flowers and dwarf com- 

 pact habit find iavour with many. They may be planted 

 in the same border or beds as the decorative kind, pre- 

 ferably in front of these, as they do not grow so tall. 

 Perhaps a few additional words on their culture may not 

 be out of place. Plants purchased direct from the 

 grower about the month of May will be ready to be 

 planted out into their permanent quarters. The soil 

 should have been well prepared previously by manuring 

 and digging so as to bring it into a thoroughly efficient 

 state for the reception of the plants. 



A Jittle gas or slaked lime may, with advantage, be 

 mixed in the soil, especially if it should be deficient in this 

 respect. It will also help to keep away slugs, and act as 

 a purifier generally. A neat stake might mark the site 

 where each plant is to be placed, the length of stake to 

 be in proportion to the height the plant is expected to 

 reach. This will save labour later, and also the roots 

 will not suffer from injury, as is often the case when a 

 stake is driven down through their centre. 



Too much attention cannot be given to the plants in 

 the way of tying, especially in exposed situations. The 

 wind is one of the greatest enemies of the outdoor 

 Chrysanthemum, many fine specimens being marred 

 annually in this way. Raffia tape or bast is the best 

 material for tying, and, used in its entire width, is not so 

 apt to cut or chafe the stems and foliage. 



In the dry season a slight mulching of short manure 

 and copious waterings will assist them greatly, also 

 when the buds are formed some stimulant in the way of 



