78 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



FEEDING 



As already intimated, this class of Chrysanthemum 

 must not be overfed, especially with artificial manures, 

 this tending to coarseness in the florets and a general 

 faultiness in shape. Still, by the end of July something 

 must be done to keep the plants in full health and 

 vigour, and it must be borne in mind that the truer 

 types of Incurved the ones probably in the smallest 

 pots will take more feeding than the rougher, or half 

 Japanese, Incurved. Weak soot water and that made from 

 cow or sheep manure are excellent stimulants, and if given 

 often and in strength just sufficient to nicely colour the 

 water, we get just what is needed, taking care to renew 

 the manure in the tub every week or ten days. There is 

 nothing to be said against a light sprinkling of some 

 approved fertiliser after the plants get thoroughly well 

 rooted. This may be applied in the dry state or used 

 in the form of a light top-dressing as advised for the 

 Japanese, though it must be used in more moderate 

 quantities. These top-dressings encourage the multiplica- 

 tion of surface roots and keep them supplied with nourish- 

 ment. 



HOUSING INCURVED VARIETIES 



As with the Japanese varieties the plants must be 

 left in the open air as long as there is no danger from 

 frost ; the last week in September is a good time for 

 housing in most localities, but in a cold district they 

 may have to be put in a week earlier. It has been the 

 custom with some cultivators to untie the plants and 



