CUT FLOWERS 33 



Now, however, there are so many splendid strains in 

 commerce that seedlings are more commonly used. 



Merits. Large, shapely spike ; large number of 

 perfect and expanded flowers ; size of individual 

 blooms j purity of selfs ; rich colours, and regular 

 markings in the fancy forms ; broad full lip. 



Faults. Few expanded flowers ; dingy colouring ; 

 flowers far apart; tip of spike showing evidences of 

 distress owing to lack of moisture ; narrow tube and lip. 



Hints Suppress lateral spikes ; give shade from sun 

 and shelter from rain as necessary ; cut the spikes early 

 in the morning, and stand them in water at once ; spikes 

 that would otherwise be past their best should be cut, 

 and placed in a dark, cool cellar. 



ASTERS 



In many flower-shows it is still the custom to exhibit 

 Aster blooms on boards, and often with frilled paper 

 collars. This method is now giving place to the display 

 of less formal varieties in vases. Asters are among the 

 most useful and beautiful of Half-hardy Annuals, and 

 they should be further encouraged. The principal 

 classes of Asters are Chrysanthemum-flowered, Comet 

 and Plumed varieties, Pseony-flowered, and Quilled. The 

 first- and last-named groups consist of rather formal 

 flowers. 



Merits. Good size, rounded outline, regularity and 

 smoothness of petals, depth, and purity or brilliance of 

 colouring in the Chrysanthemum - flowered section. 

 Quilled flowers should show great depth, and the florets 

 must be regularly arranged and of equal length in 

 their respective rows. Large size, grace, and pure 

 colouring in Comet and Plumed varieties. Well-defined 

 line of demarcation between central and circumferential 

 colouring in the Paeony-flowered varieties. 

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