CHAPTER IV. 



General Culture. 



THERE are few plants that will exist under as much 

 neglect as a chrysanthemum, while there are none 

 more capable of being highly developed under suit- 

 able conditions than this now popular plant. Out 

 of thousands of amateurs who grow chrysanthemums, com- 

 paratively few give them proper treatment. In most cases, 

 after they are set out in spring, a little weeding and perchance 

 a stake to keep them off the ground, is all the cultivation they 

 receive. With such treatment as this one may have a plant' 

 in the fall which to most people would appear pretty, but 

 superior flowers or handsome plants can never be obtained in 

 this way. When all conditions are ready to begin planting, 

 select healthy young plants in a fresh growing condition, 

 avoiding those that are rather large and have a hard, woody 

 stem. Such plants were rooted in November and December, 

 were stunted through the winter, and on this account will 

 not make a rapid growth. They are also liable to rust and 

 become unhealthy long before the summer is over. It is far 

 better to secure vigorous plants with soft wood and in a 

 healthy condition. If well rooted they will soon begin to 

 grow with much vigor, and if properly cared for cvill retain 

 that condition all summer, looking rich and luxuriant when 

 the large woody plants would become stunted. 



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