CHINESE CHRYSANTHEMUM. 281 



hardy enough to live in the open air, but it requires the 

 shelter of a wall, and, from the lateness of its flowering, it 

 is only the early varieties that even in fine seasons are 

 enabled to unfold their blossoms against a south wall in 

 our open borders. It is seen in its beauty only when 

 grown in pots and under glass. Yearly plants are prefer- 

 red. In the beginning of April, cuttings of the last year's 

 shoots, about three inches long, are put singly into small 

 pots, filled with soil composed of one-half bog-earth or 

 leaf-mould, and one-half pure sand. Their growth is ex- 

 pedited at first by gentle heat. In about a month they 

 are found to be rooted, and are placed in a cold frame, in 

 which they are kept till the beginning of June, when they 

 are put into larger pots, and set out in some airy situation. 

 About this time, the tops of the plants are pinched off to 

 make them bushy, but no more side shoots are allowed to 

 remain for flowering than the plants are likely to be able 

 to support without a stake. In August, they are again 

 shifted into larger pots, filled with strong rich soil. Dur- 

 ing the whole season, the pots are frequently moved to 

 prevent the roots from striking through, and they are 

 never plunged. Mr. Munro, of the London Horticultural 

 Garden, whose method of culture we have been describing, 

 recommends liquid manure to be applied from time to time 

 in summer and autumn. Other cultivators, in order to 

 have a greater succession of flowers, and a variety in the 

 stature of the plants, strike cuttings at two seasons, in 

 March and in May, and likewise propagated by layers in 

 August. In the beginning of winter the plants are placed 

 in a cold frame or vinery, and they are brought into a 

 milder temperature as they are wanted. To produce large 

 showy plants, a few of the chrysanthemums of the former 

 year may be selected, and being freed from suckers, and 



