TAKING CUTTINGS 45 



in view, namely, first-class flowers. In the case of Chrys- 

 anthemums cuttings must be obtained from plants that 

 have been selected for the good quality of their blooms, 

 and such plants should be free from disease of any kind. 



When cutting down the stock plants it is advisable not 

 to cut them too low or bleeding will result. After the 

 cutting down, place the plants in a position where they 

 will be exposed to the light and air, and spray them over 

 with an insecticide, or if they have been troubled with 

 rust they should be sprayed with a solution of sulphide 

 of potassium at the strength of % oz. to the gallon of water 

 this also is a good preventive of mildew. 



By giving the cuttings this treatment, it ensures them 

 having a clean start, and when placed in a light, well-venti- 

 lated position, they will develop strength and firmness 

 instead of the more sappy growth which is made when 

 the prevailing conditions are more warm and moist. It 

 sometimes happens that certain varieties are slow in pro- 

 ducing growths suitable for cuttings ; such plants should 

 be partially shaken out and placed in boxes with just a 

 little fresh soil shaken among the roots. When these are 

 placed in gentle warmth this often has the effect of making 

 them throw cuttings freely. 



The exact date at which cuttings should be put in is a 

 debatable point, and my own experience shows that the 

 date has not the influence on the bloom that some growers 

 imagine. It is true that in a few instances it seems best 

 to secure cuttings not later than the end of November, 

 and this applies to those varieties that are naturally late 

 bloomers, the Jameson family being a very good illustra- 

 tion, but even in such cases carefully selected cuttings, 

 inserted in February and topped before potting into 



