THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 



169 



It should be detached from the old shoot with a sharp knife, and cut 

 straight through immediately below a joint formed by the junction of 

 the leaf-stalk with the stem. The bottom leaf should be removed by 

 the sharp knife also, trimming this off close to the stem of the cutting. 

 This is then ready for inserting in the propagating frame. Stem-cuttings 

 are not advisable, as they are apt to develop buds prematurely, and in 

 consequence completely upset a proper system of high culture, besides 

 causing much inconvenience during their period of propagation. 



Propagation by Cuttings. The period for the propagation by 

 cuttings depends upon when the grower requires his plants in flower. 

 If the object be simply large flowers for exhibition, the earlier the work 

 is taken in hand the better. Cuttings of Japanese sorts for this purpose 

 should be inserted in December. The late-flowering Japanese are better 

 if attended to earlier, even in November, 

 while those kinds liable to blossom earlier 

 than the majority, namely, mid-October 

 and late October, give excellent results if 

 the cuttings are put in late in January. 

 The object in varying the date of pro- 

 pagating the exhibition varieties is to 

 insure the plants flowering for the most 

 part at the same time, namely, when 

 the shows are taking place all over the 

 country. The earlier half of November 

 is Chrysanthemum show time, and for 

 this reason, by propagating the later 

 sorts early and the early varieties late, 

 the plants will bloom about one time, 

 Cuttings intended to produce exhibition 

 plants should be inserted singly in what 

 are known as " thumb" pots, and if 

 deep " thumbs " can be obtained so 

 much the better. Wash the pots quite 

 clean, and soak new pots in clean water 



to absorb moisture. The broken potsherds should also be cleansed, and 

 this is work that must not be neglected. It is by observing such details 

 as this that success is assured. In raising plants for the conservatory, 

 for use also as cut flowers, or for planting in the outdoor border for a rich 

 autumn display, a simpler method of propagation will answer. Half-a- 

 dozen or more cuttings may be inserted around the edge of a three-inch 

 pot or a larger number in those of increased size. Boxes about two 

 inches deep, fifteen inches long, and ten inches wide, are excellent for rais- 

 ing large stocks of plants. Another method, and one largely adopted by 

 market men, is that of making up shallow beds inside the cool green- 

 house, where a cool bottom can be obtained, and inserting the cuttings 

 in these. Under these circumstances, provided the soil is not allowed to 

 become too moist, failure is almost unknown, and it is remarkable how 

 quickly the cuttings root. Both in the case of boxes and the beds 

 arranged on the raised sides of the greenhouse, a system of drainage 



BAD TYPE OF CUTTING, SHOWING 

 BUD AT ITS APEX 



