58 Chrysanthemum Culture for America. 



by the plants, and can be applied at any time desired. It is 

 best to give it weak at first, and in a short time the plant will 

 endure and profit by stronger applications of this stimulant. 

 If the soil is rather dry, always give a soaking of pure water 

 before the liquid manure is applied. It then becomes equally 

 diffused through the soil, so that all the roots are fed and none 

 injured, as might otherwise be the case if watered with strong 

 manure water while the soil in the pots is in a dry state. 



The fortunate grower who has a farm-yard of his own can 

 have a tank or reservoir for the liquid manure to drain into, 

 which can then be diluted to suit the condition of the plant. 

 Where a farm-yard is not at hand, a barrel or cask may be 

 sunk in the ground and the manure water made for the pur- 

 pose ; a wheelbarrow full of cow manure, and about a spade 

 full of soot, the barrel being then filled with water, makes an 

 excellent mixture for this use. Sheep or hen manure or guano 

 may also be used with advantage, but guano is dangerous in 

 the hands of the inexperienced, and when it can be secured 

 the common barnyard drainings will be safest and most effica- 

 cious, and will be certain to promote the vigor of the plants 

 and add size and beauty to the blooms. A soaking of soot- 

 water once a week will keep worms out of the pots and give 

 the foliage a rich green hue. Carbonate of ammonia is also a 

 wonderful stimulant, and used by many chrysanthemum grow- 

 ers ; no other manure having such an immediate and direct 

 action on the growth of this plant. One ounce to about five 

 gallons of water makes a suitable solution. Never water with 

 liquid manure when the plants are dry, but always use clear 

 water first and then apply the manure. It is best not to apply 

 the top dressings or liquid manure copiously until the roots 

 have reached the sides of the pots in which they are to bloom. 

 There is no hard and fast rule as to the quantity of these 

 manures and stimulants which should be used. The location, 

 climatic influences, and the keen observation of the grower, 

 can alone determine the proportions of each to be used. 



