THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. 71 



The black aphis or black fl}' is usually found quite troublesome ; 

 but this can be conquered by persistent application of Dalmatian 

 powder with the bellows. 



If it is desirable to keep the old roots over the winter they 

 should be placed where they may be kept quite cool, and if pos- 

 sible near a sunny window. Early in the spring they may be 

 divided and planted out in the open ground and receive the same 

 treatment as young plants. 



The would-be cultivator must not expect that his plants will 

 always be as large or his flowers as fine as those to be seen at our 

 fall exhibitions, for the chrysanthemum requires unremitting care 

 and attention from the beginning of the young plant to the end of 

 the flowering season ; and experience is as valuable here as else- 

 where. But one should not be discouraged, for a fair amount of 

 success is attainable with ordinary cultivation, and one will probably 

 feel repaid for whatever time and expense he ma}'^ bestow upon 

 his plants. 



The very large show blooms seen at exhibitions are the results 

 of special cultivation, and should not be considered as fair exam- 

 ples of all that is good in chr3'santhemums, but rather as excep- 

 tions showing to what a state of perfection they may be brought by 

 skilful cultivation. 



To produce these blooms we usually take late cuttings, pot 

 them up as often as required, and keep them plunged in the ground 

 through the summer. The plants are allowed to make but one 

 stem, and this will usually branch into about three ; and on the end 

 of each will be formed several buds, all of which should be re- 

 moved except the one at the extreme end, which is almost always 

 the largest and strongest. By this means the whole strength of 

 the plant is thrown into two or three flowers and sometimes only 

 one. The plants must never be allowed to become dry and must 

 be given liquid manure frequently. 



As the buds begin to show prominently in the fall we go over 

 our entire collection and disbud such as may need it ; for some 

 varieties form more buds than can be brought to perfection, and 

 more or less of these should be removed as soon as it can be done 

 with safety. Those that have large bold flowers receive the most 

 benefit from this operation, and it should be practised even where 

 they are grown as specimen plants. Of course, for this purpose 

 fewer buds should be taken ofl" than when specimen blooms are 



