Chrysanthemum Shows and Organizations. 89 



ancestors that the family likeness has scarcely been retained, 

 and is not easily recognized except by those who have an inti- 

 mate acquaintance with the plants. Both Chinese and Japa- 

 nese types have produced so many different individuals of 

 marvelous beauty, that at present they are named by the hun- 

 dreds, thousands perhaps appearing every year to displace 

 their less favored predecessors. So great has been the 

 demand for new varieties, that one dollar is considered a fair 

 price for the merest twig that the florist must cultivate for 

 nearly a year before he can see it bloom. If it were not for 

 the fostering influence of the shows this spirit would soon 

 weaken and die. 



One who has ever seen a chrysanthemum show will need no 

 further invitation to following exhibitions, than the simple 

 announcement of time and place. Those who have never 

 seen a chrysanthemum show should by all means avail them- 

 selves of the first opportunity that presents itself, and they 

 will never regret it. When going to the show, above all do 

 not forget the children ; they have a natural love for flowers, 

 and nothing can give them more lasting pleasure and happi- 

 ness, than the cultivation of this love of theirs, until they and 

 the flowers are fast and inseparable companions. 



NOTES ON EXHIBITIONS. Numerous innovations are urged 

 in the way of exhibiting chrysanthemums, and it is well to 

 encourage all practical ideas and add new features. We 

 might borrow from the French the method of grouping and 

 displaying plants in bloom, the prize to be awarded for nov- 

 elty, combined with good taste. All effort to "dress" or 

 rather to deform the bloom should be discountenanced. This 

 practice, however, has happily never been indulged in to a 

 great extent on this side of the Atlantic. To one possessing 

 a sense of propriety and good taste, what is more ridiculous 

 than to exhibit the blooms on flat cards or boards, squeezing 

 them out to their fullest extent ; to curl their petals with ivory 



