4 SMITH'S CHRYSANTHEMUM MANUAL 



than that which has produced blooms under glass. They appear to pos- 

 sess more vigor and give successive crops with greater rapidity. These 

 may be handled in cold frames, as previously mentioned, or removed to 

 greenhouse when early propagation is necessary. 



Imported Stock Those importing foreign varieties often find them 

 in very poor condition when unpacked. This is not to be wondered at 

 when we consider they are from two to six weeks in transit. They are- 

 genera lly packed in dry cocanut fiber, and when taken from the box look 

 like dry sticks. It is only by the utmost vigilance and care that such 

 plants are nursed into activity. Immerse them into tepid water for a few 

 hours to plump the wood and roots. 



After removing all lifeless growth, pot them in light soil, using a 

 small a pot as will accommodate the roots. It should be the aim to induce 

 root growth as soon as possible and, to do this, plunge them into a close 

 case which is provided with gentle bottom heat about 70 degrees will 

 suffice. See that the material in which they are plunged is kept on the 

 dry side, and use water rather sparingly until they begin to grow freely. 

 They should be looked to several times each day, and if the plants or soil 

 shows signs of fungus, ventilation must be given for such conditions, if 

 not promptly checked, are fatal. It is often wise to remove the cuttings 

 v, hen quite small and root them, especially if the old plants are weak or 

 show signs of decay. 



By taking this course it is possible to establish a small plant upon its 

 own root, which would otherwise be lost if allowed to remain until the old 

 plant had gained vigor. 



Novelties and Scarce Sorts Novelties and scarce sorts are often 

 bought in limited quantity to propagate from. The best results are obtain- 

 ed by planting these young plants into flats (shallow boxes), or upon the 

 bench in shallow soil. As soon as they show signs of growth, the tops are 

 taken as cuttings and the plants are treated thereafter same as stock 

 plants. 



It is imprudent to over-propagate, by taking every cutting as soon 

 as large enough to root : better let the cutting get strong, so that a few 

 leaves are left on the plants. This will greatly assist in maintaining 

 strong, healthy stock plants. 



