62 Chrysanthemum Culture for America. 



ing, that permeates every particle of soil in the pot, can pro- 

 duce the best results. Syringing the foliage each evening is 

 of great advantage in keeping the plants free from the ravages 

 of insects and in giving the foliage a healthy appearance, 

 ceasing, however, when the plants come into bloom. 



Never water a plant that is not dry ; on the other hand, 

 never permit the plant to wilt for want of moisture, as under 

 such conditions a free and vigorous growth cannot be made. 

 When specimens are grown for exhibition, it is best to go 

 over them in the early morning, again at ten o'clock, at noon, 

 and once more after five o'clock, and should the plants be 

 vigorous and growing, at least two of these waterings should 

 be thorough soakings. As the plants increase in size, and 

 the pots fill with roots, it is necessary to watch the edge of 

 the ball in the pots, as sometimes the soil is pressed out from 

 the pot, leaving a space where the water may trickle down 

 between the soil and the pot, leaving the plants suffering for 

 want of water, although an abundant supply has apparently 

 been given. A little care given such plants, by pressing down 

 the edges so that the water may not run through so rapidly, 

 will be abundantly repaid by their subsequent vigor. When 

 the plants are in full bloom, the days will be short and not so 

 warm, so that one thorough watering each day will be suffi- 

 cient, and in dull weather they may not even require it so often. 

 It is not necessary, at this stage of their culture, to give liquid 

 manure, clear water being sufficient after the buds have devel- 

 oped into blossoms, but care should be taken not to spill it 

 about the floors, so as to cause a moist atmosphere in which 

 the flowers would have a tendency to mould. 



A good plan is to water in the forenoon, or at midday, so 

 that plenty of ventilation can be given until the moisture is 

 completely dried away, and the plants will have a pure atmos- 

 phere, not overcharged with moisture, in which to pass the 

 night. 



