THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. 39' 



among growers of the Chrysanthemum, as to what qualities do in 

 reality constitute a good bloom. Size is the first object a culti- 

 vator has in view, but this in itself is not enough, and must be 

 accompanied by other good points before the flower can take 

 rank as a first-class specimen. These several points or qualities 

 may be 'set down as size, depth, solidity, breadth of petals, form, 

 finish of flower and foliage, freshness, and most certainly color. 

 I do not know as there is any absolute size to which the various 

 classes of the Chrysanthemum may be grown at the present day, 

 or to what perfection it may attain in the future ; but this I feel 

 Avell assured of — given the qualifications of depth, solidity, 

 breadth of petal, form, finish, freshness, and color, then the 

 larger the size to which you can bring it, the greater the pros- 

 pect of carrying off the much coveted prize. 



Here permit me to say that the rage for this unquestioned and 

 unquestionably charming flower being still on the increase and 

 its capabilities to all appearances being inexhaustible, a most 

 inviting and remunerative field is opened up for the energies of 

 all those who have the means, time, and patience to embark in 

 its culture. 



The folklore of the Chrysanthemum is very limited, and is 

 confined to China and Japan. In the former country there is a 

 proverbial rhyme connected with it, which may be translated as 

 follows : 



" In the second month the Peach tree blooms, 

 But not until the ninth the Chrysanthemums ; 

 So each must wait till his own time comes," 



which, as I take it, is a somewhat refined way of saying " every 

 dog has his day," and so the charming English poet, Henry Kirk 

 White, sings : 



" Say, what retards, amid the summer's blaze, 

 The autumnal flower, till pale declining days ? 

 The God of Seasons, whose pervading poAver 

 Controls the sun, or sheds the fleecy shower ; 

 He bids each flower His quickening word obey, 

 Or to each lingering bloom enjoins delay." 



The Japanese have a fancy that the dewy juices in the heart of 

 the Chrysanthemum are the " Elixir of Life." 



The poets, in a great measure, have paid little if any attention 



