68 MASSACHUSETTS HOKTICIXTURAL SOCIETY. 



in a cold frame as earl}' as can be done with safety from frost. 

 Here the |)lants can be hardened off an^l will be in better condi- 

 tion to start into growth immediately after planting ont, which is 

 iisnally best done about the middle of May. 



For planting out, such u location should be chosen as will at all 

 times have a full exposure to the sun and air. One so situated as 

 to be protected from strong winds is desirable, but this should in 

 no way interfere with the prime I'cquisites of successful cidtiva- 

 tion, sun and aii'. The plants can be so staked and tied tliat they 

 will withstand all ordinary winds, but nothing will supply the de- 

 ficiency of direct sunlight and fresh air. 



With the proper soil and a high, open exposure, there need be 

 little fear of mildew, the one almost unconquerable enemy of the 

 chrysanthemum grower. For soil, we find a light rich loam the 

 best, and prefer it quite sandy if possible ; one that will not ad- 

 here to the roots in hard lumps but will fall away without taking 

 the roots with it. 



We place our plants about two and a half or three feet apart in 

 rows. For each plant a hole about the size of a potato hill is 

 dug and filled with manure, which is to be well forked into the soil. 

 The hole is then tilled up with loam ; and we are careful that the 

 surface is made lower than the surrounding ground, thus forming 

 a kind of dish which will retain any water that may be given the 

 plants rather than allow it to run away. 



After planting out our plants are kept well watered until the 

 roots have taken hold of the soil ; from that time they receive no 

 water unless the season be dry and the plants show signs of suf- 

 fering, when we give it to them as often as needed ; occasionally 

 substituting liquid manure for the water. But whichever is used 

 it should be ai)plied at evening, so that it may not be evaporated 

 before it can have time to soak into the ground. 



As soon as the roots begin to take hold of the soil the plants 

 will begin to push out branches very fieely, and these branches 

 as soon as they are three or four inches long are pinched in. 

 This operation is repealed as often as the branches become long 

 enough, u'til about the middle of July ; after which the plants 

 are allowed to grow at will, merely cutting back any unshapely 

 branches that may grow. 



There is a variety of opinion on this subject of ]iincliing; some 

 do not pinch at all, otiiers only once or twice. But we find we 



