CHAPTER VIII. 



EXHIBITION BLOOMS 



The term Exhibition Blooms refers to the varieties which are most 

 serviceable in displaying the greatest development of size, and as size 

 is the chief characteristic considered, many of the best kinds for this 

 purpose are of little consequence to the commercial grower. There are 

 a few possessing commercial qualifications which are of sufficient size to 

 be of some importance at the exhibitions, especially where the schedule 

 calls for 25 or more blooms to be shown on long stems in one vase. In 

 such competitions rigid stems with an abundance of foliage close to the 

 blooms often so enhance the exhibit as to merit the award over those 

 having greater size, but deficient in stem and foliage. Such varieties as 

 Betsy Ross, W. H. Chadwick and its several sports, Timothy Eaton and 1 

 Yellow Eaton, etc., are well adapted to this purpose. 



In beginning this chapter we wish to impress upon the reader the 

 fallacy of laying down hard, fast rules, for many of the best growers 

 obtain satisfactory results under a system of their own or at least 

 attribute their success to certain methods not usually followed, and yet 

 equally good results are reached by other courses. The first steps neces- 

 sary in the production of the largest and finest blooms is to establish 

 strong, vigorous plants and maintain this condition throughout their 

 existence. Lack of water, food, light and air or an over supply of water 

 and food are debilitating. There are two systems which may be employed 

 one to plant upon benches, as directed in preceding chapter, and in 

 pots similar to the method followed by the gardeners of England. The 

 only difference is they plunge their plants out of doors until the approach 

 of the flowering season, while we grow them under glass entirely. This 

 system is looked upon with favor by most of the private gardeners in 

 this country. 



It is conceded that early propagation is essential if we excel in this 

 undertaking, as a long period of growth seems to impart greater vigor. 

 Cuttings should be started in February or early March at the latest. When 

 rooted, pot into small pots and keep in a cool, light and airy house. A 

 low temperature, 40 degrees or as near as possible, is preferable to excit- 

 ing growth, with greater heat. A light, friable soil (decomposed sods pre- 

 ferred) containing one-fifth of its bulk of well-rotted manure and half this 

 amount of half-decayed leaves that have been rubbed through a screen, is 

 requisite. 



