38 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Within the last three or four years fresh attempts have been 

 made in this direction in England, and they have not only resulted 

 in some really surprising successes, but they have demonstrated 

 the fact that in the damp, smoky, and humid climate of Eugland,- 

 well ripened seed can be produced with considerable certainty 

 from American varieties, and that such seed, if saved with care, 

 will afford a large proportion of varieties fully the equals, and in 

 many respects the superiors, to the bulk of those imported from 

 other countries. 



In the raising of plants beware of their enemies. That they 

 have enemies is beyond all question. Chief of these are damp- 

 ness and pestiferous insects. The first is easily overcome by the 

 simple application of moderate heat constantly passing over and 

 around the plants ; but the second is not so readily vanquished, 

 especially if permitted to become numerous upon the plants. 

 Then it is that 



" Diseases desperate grown, 

 By desperate appliance are relieved, or not at all." 



The one great disease to which the Chrysanthemum is liable 

 is mildew. It appears in the form of a white, woolly-looking 

 growth, mostly on the under sides of the leaves. In its nature it 

 is a fungus, and in a close atmosphere it spreads rapidly, and 

 sadly impairs the functions of the foliage. The simplest and it 

 may be the best remedy is sulphur, and if this is applied in time 

 it will generally check, if not immediately cure, an attack. 



One of the best qualities which this flower possesses is the 

 long time the blooms remain fresh, either growing on the plants 

 or in a cut state ; still, greatly to the disappointment of many 

 growers for exhibition, they ofttimes fail to keep long enough ; 

 and thus a large number of fine blooms are rendered useless 

 through the too early development of some of the varieties. As 

 to the cut blooms intended for exhibition, there is in reality no 

 royal road to success with regard to their perfect preservation 

 for a greater or less period. Much of this success will depend on 

 good luck and the state in which the blooms were when cut from 

 the plants ; and if they should remain in such complete condition 

 as to gain you the prize at the exhibition, thank the blind god- 

 dess Fortune therefor. 



It is an undisputed fact that there is uuich misunderstanding 



