CHOICE OF FLOWERS 



the poppies, though less severe than the erect- 

 ness of the zinnias and marigolds, and they re- 

 joice in colors that are simply exquisite. Some 

 of the rose-tinted asters have the glow of rubies. 

 These are held to be tender, and are generally 

 'started in cold frames, yet they grow on bleak 

 northern farms after spring sowing in open 

 ground. 



Chrysanthemums close the season. They 

 resemble the asters in leaf, habit and mode of 

 growth, but they have a wonderful diversity in 

 form and a greater range of color. Fashion has 

 neglected this plant of late, for fashion has its 

 whims not merely in the matter of gowns and 

 the drama, but in such affairs as mountains and 

 bouquets. It has given over the chrysanthemum 

 shows, that used to be regarded as society events 

 no less than events of esthetic and scientific inter- 

 est; hence, because it is less worth their material 

 while, the florists exhibit fewer of the blooms in 

 their windows. But no matter. We, who ad- 

 mire, may continue to cultivate it. Just as likely 

 as not, we have fallen out of the habit of reading 

 the society news, and have therefore failed to 

 observe the significant announcement that Mrs. 

 191 



