ON THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 91 



the cognoscenti it is either an Incurved, a Japanese, 

 a Japanese Incurved, a Japanese Reflexed, a Reflexed, 

 a Large Anemone, a Japanese Anemone, a Pompon, a 

 Pompon Anemone, or a Single. A system of classifica- 

 tion for a popular flower is apt to alarm and irritate 

 the amateur at the outset, but the more he learns about 

 the plant, the more clearly he sees that it is desirable. 

 He goes farther if he becomes an exhibitor he sees that 

 it is absolutely necessary. Varieties of totally different 

 types could not be shown against each other in one 

 class with satisfactory results. Picture Japanese flowers 

 as large as footballs competing with Singles of the size 

 of border Pyrethrums ! 



While describing the different sections, I may indicate 

 a good type of flower for the guidance of would-be 

 exhibitors. 



An Incurved Chrysanthemum has quilled florets 

 turned in towards the centre. A good flower is globu- 

 lar, not flat, with a smooth, even outline ; the florets 

 are broad, gracefully curved, and fill up the centre so 

 thoroughly that no hollow is discernible. A flat flower, 

 with thin, pointed florets, and showing an "eye" or 

 hollow centre, is defective. 



A Japanese Chrysanthemum may have flat, quilled, 

 fluted, or thread-like florets. The class is a large and 

 varied one, and consequently it is difficult to describe 

 it in a few words. In most varieties the florets droop, 

 but in some they are erect, while others, again, have 

 erect central and drooping outer florets. A good show 

 Japanese Chrysanthemum is from six to ten inches 

 across, according to the variety, and the same in depth, 

 measuring from the crown to the tip of the drooping 

 florets. The colours are fresh and clear. A lop-sided, 

 thin, dull flower is defective* 



