204 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



a new set of flower-buds, known as " second crown " buds. These 

 " second crowns " will be in evidence as a rule by the first week 

 in August, and it is these that have to be " taken " or, to use a 

 more satisfactory mode of expression be retained. The " second 

 crown " buds produce the largest and best flowers, and the grower 

 therefore directs all his efforts towards throwing all the energies 

 of the plant into the satisfactory development of the buds. This 

 is assisted by the constant removal of all subsidiary growths 

 that is to say, all lateral or side shoots which will be formed in 

 great numbers in the axils of the leaves. 



The watering and feeding of chrysanthemums is an important 

 operation, which if it be carelessly or inefficiently performed 

 will spell disaster. At no time must the soil in the pots be per- 

 mitted to become thoroughly dry. In very hot weather it may be 

 necessary to give water as often as three times a day. Frequent 

 syringings with weak but clear soot water, to which a little paraffin 

 has been added (one tablespoonful to the gallon will be sufficient), 

 will keep the greenfly or aphis in check. The reappearance of the 

 sun after a period of dull cool weather may cause the plants to 

 flag somewhat. The grower may then be tempted to induce 

 their revival by excessive watering, and this is a practice that he 

 should seek to avoid, since it may be fraught with danger. A sharp 

 rap on the side of the pots will speedily inform him of the condition 

 of the soil. If the sound be hollow the soil needs moisture, but 

 if it be dull and heavy, it does not. All that is immediately 

 required to revive the flagging foliage is a gentle spraying with 

 clear rain-water. When the plants really require water give it 

 generously, so that the soil shall be thoroughly soaked, and then 

 withhold it until, by rapping the sides of the pots, it has been 

 ascertained that they need a further supply of moisture. 



As soon as the pots are full of roots probably by the end of 

 July the plants will begin to appreciate a regular supply of 

 manure water. Start with weak soot water, applied twice a week. 

 Increase the doses to thrice a week a little later on, and as soon 

 as the buds begin to form substitute weak solutions of animal 

 manures. These may be given twice a week at the outset, but 



