THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 303 



away from home most of the day during the summer, and unable, 

 therefore, to give the plants that incessant care in watering which 

 is so important, may make a trench as though for Celery, lay in 

 a bed of ashes, stand the pots on it, and place more ashes round 

 them. This will not entirely obviate the necessity for watering, 

 but by preventing the hot sun from striking direct on to the pots 

 it will help to avert injury to the roots. 



As the shoots move steadily upward they will call for support. 

 This is easily provided in the early stages by one bamboo cane, 

 but later on, when the plants have made their breaks, a single 

 support will not be sufficient. A simple plan is to erect a common 

 framework for a whole row of plants, and it may consist of two 

 strong end uprights, driven firmly into the ground, lighter uprights 

 at 6-foot spaces between, and parallel horizontal wires or cords 

 stretched from end to end. The growths may be tied direct to 

 these horizontals, or, better still, supported by short flower stakes 

 which are tied to the horizontals in an upright position. 



Apart from the question of disbudding, to which we will give 

 special attention, the most important cultural operation through- 

 out the summer is unquestionably watering. Plants that are 

 properly watered will, other things being right, grow and flower 

 satisfactorily ; but all care and expense in providing good suckers, 

 drainage, soil, and pots will be wasted if the watering is not correct. 

 One day's neglect may irretrievably ruin all chance of winning a 

 coveted prize. It is not that the plants will die, probably, but the 

 buds may be injured, from the exhibition standpoint, beyond re- 

 covery. Drought is the thing to fear. If once the soil is allowed 

 to get so dry as to break away from the side of the pot, leaving 

 a distinct fissure, great harm will be done. The soil should really 

 never become quite dry. It should not be sodden, but on the other 

 hand it should not be parched. A moist or damp state constitutes 

 the happy medium. 



Except during wet or very cloudy spells, the plants will certainly 



