THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 297 



The Chrysanthemum, we see, is a flower for all classes for 

 town as well as for country gardeners, for greenhouse as well 

 as garden, for room equally with conservatory decoration. It does 

 not give us great natural diversities in habit, like the Rose. We 

 do not find Chrysanthemums of climbing habit. We do not find 

 varieties suitable for rambling over banks, or varieties for cover- 

 ing arches. But the plant is easily grown and tractable, and 

 with modifications in our system of culture we can get consider- 

 able variation in growth. Moreover, by a judicious selection of 

 varieties we can get flowers for several months from the garden 

 in August and onwards, under glass up to midwinter. 



When we come to a practical consideration of cultural matters, 

 we may very well elect to begin with the methods of acquiring a 

 stock of plants. Probably the initial step will be the purchase 

 of a few plants from a nurseryman, and this is likely to become 

 an annual occurrence, for we shall want to add more varieties to 

 our collection ; besides, new ones are always coming out. 



It is well to order Chrysanthemums in the autumn or winter, 

 even if they are not wanted until the spring, especially if novelties 

 are being bought. The reason is that certain varieties, and 

 particularly new ones, are in great demand, consequently there is 

 a risk of not getting the sorts that are wanted unless they are 

 ordered early. 



Cuttings cost less than rooted plants, and are procurable in 

 autumn ; but those who buy in November have the care of the 

 plants all through the winter. This does not matter to skilful 

 growers with ample accommodation, but it does to beginners with 

 only one small house, which is probably in a congested state. 

 Amateurs who are in this position will be well advised to buy 

 plants early for spring delivery. They will be quite safe in the 

 hands of a respectable nurseryman. If the plants are received 

 in March they will be sturdy little specimens, established in small 

 pots, and well supplied with roots. We will refer to the best 



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