ON THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 107 



sand to each bushel. The whole of the components 

 should be well mixed and used in a moist state. Ram 

 the soil in quite hard, and leave two .inches at the top 

 for water. Only give just enough water to prevent the 

 plants from flagging until they have started growing 

 again, then water regularly. Stand the pots on a bed of 

 ashes in a sunny but sheltered place in the garden. The 

 labour of watering, which is considerable, may be 

 reduced by partially or wholly embedding the pots in 

 ashes ; but still, water is sure to be required at least once 

 a day in dry weather. Remove side-shoots from the 

 three stems. 



July. Many of the garden varieties will form flower- 

 buds this month, and a few of the earliest, such as 

 Madame Desgranges, may come into bloom. Pot plants 

 will need daily attention. They must be watered liberally, 

 and should never be allowed to get so dry that the soil 

 cracks away from the side of the pot. Should such a 

 thing happen, prompt and drastic measures must be 

 taken. A tub of water must be procured, and the pot 

 sunk nearly to the brim in it. The water will rise 

 through the soil, driving air before it, and causing a 

 rush of bubbles to the surface. Only when these have 

 ceased should the pot be raised. It may rest on the 

 edge of the tub for a few seconds to permit the surplus 

 water to escape, and then be replaced in its permanent 

 position. If flower-buds should form at the tip of the 

 three shoots, with incipient shoots just below them, they 

 (the flower-buds) should be removed, together with two 

 of the three incipient shoots on each stem, the third 

 being left to grow on and form another bud in August. 

 An exception to this rule should be made in case of any 

 variety which an expert adviser says gives its best blooms 

 from " crown " buds that form at the end of July. The 



