CUT FLOWERS 51 



which the ground colour is splashed, striped, and shaded 

 with one or more other colours will disqualify. 



PYRETHRUMS 



Both the single and double varieties of Pyrethrums 

 Pyrethrum roseuni) are beautiful and useful hardy garden 

 flowers, suitable alike for outdoor and indoor decoration. 

 They are not very popular for exhibition at present, 

 except as units in a collection of hardy herbaceous 

 flowers, but there is no good reason why they should 

 not be encouraged. Shown on flat boards as are 

 Carnations, the Pyrethrums would be beneath contempt ; 

 it were better they were never exhibited. But shown 

 in vases, from three to twelve blooms of a variety 

 and from three to twelve distinct varieties, they would 

 look well. Classes could be arranged to suit the several 

 classes of competitors. 



There are double and single varieties, the latter being 

 the most beautiful and the former the most lasting. 



Merits. Large, circular, full and even double flowers, 

 with a regular row of outer or guard florets ; regular, 

 single flowers, with clear, even disk ; purity and bright- 

 ness of colour ; freshness ; stems sufficiently stout to 

 carry the flower head erect ; graceful arrangement. 



Faults. Irregularity; small, ray-coloured florets 

 among the disk florets ; streaky or faded colour ; weak 

 stems that bend limply just beneath the flower head ; 

 flower heads all brought to the same plane ; wiring. 



Hints. Cut down the plants directly the flowers 

 begin to fade, and then if watering and feeding are 

 attended to the plants will give a good second crop of 

 flowers for autumn use. Remove misplaced or mis- 

 shapen florets; lightly shade the scarlet varieties from hot 

 sunshine. 



