54 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



numerous awards, but in London opinions were divided as 

 to their merits, and of those who first saw them but few 

 were impressed in their favour. Since their first appearance 

 in this country they have been largely shown by English 

 growers in a manner that has brought into prominence 

 their distinctive characteristics, and they have attained to 

 a high degree of popularity. Especially are they regarded 

 with much favour by those who are responsible for the 

 management of public parks and large private gardens, in 

 which, by reason of their bold habit and attractive flowers, 

 they are of much value. 



With greater staying powers when cut, the flowers 

 would be most useful for bold decorations in the house, and 

 it is much to be desired that raisers will make strong efforts 

 to improve them in this respect. Individually the blooms, 

 notwithstanding their large size, are right and elegant, and 

 the pure whites, soft yellows, bright pinks, and brilliant reds 

 can be readily arranged to form the most tasteful combina- 

 tions ; but it is tantalising to find them drooping and pre- 

 senting an exhausted appearance before the close of the 

 festivities or the exhibition as the case may be. An increase 

 in the substance of the florets would greatly improve 

 matters, but even at the present the staying powers of the 

 blooms could be easily increased by cultivators and those 

 who use the flowers for decorations. Instead of cutting 

 them when fully developed, and it may be after they 

 have been exposed to brilliant sunshine for some time and 

 carried in the hand or basket until sufficient have been 

 obtained, the following method of procedure should be 

 adopted. Cut the flowers quite early in the morning, when 

 on the point of expanding, and have at hand a small pail or 



