22 THE CULTURE OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. 



far as it ought to go. This is terribly deceiving, and 

 unless the operator is caught in the act you would not 

 think of it. The sooner such persons get notice to quit 

 the better it will be for the gardener, for it is hardly neces- 

 sary to remark that such men do not take an interest in 

 their work. I have also seen men when watering, and when 

 wiithin five or six plants of the end of the row (and perhaps 

 with only sufficient water in the watering-pot for two 

 plants), eking it out for the lot rather than go for more. 



Soot-Water and Paraffin. 



It is a good plan to syringe the plants with clear soot- 

 water with a little " Homco " or " Abol " (''White's 

 superior insecticide") once a week; it keeps aphides and 

 thrips at bay, and they are the best preventives against 

 mildew and fungus. As a matter of fact these agents are 

 so cheap growers do not reckon them at half their value. 

 Soot is valuable as an insecticide as well as a stimulant. 

 When plants are in process of full development and a spell 

 of dull weather sets in, the growth will be very tender, 

 and watering must be most carefully done. For if the 

 sun and wind play upon them afterwards the tops will 

 lop like rags. But do not be deceived and think they 

 are dry. Tap the pots to make sure. A " tickle " with 

 the syringe may be much more advantageous to them 

 than a dose of water at the roots; for it is by careful 

 watering only that the wood is thoroughly ripened and 

 the foliage kept from dropping off, or enticing mildew 

 or parasites. 



The Second Break* 



Now, supposing we are in the middle of July and all 

 essential details have been attended to watering, tying 

 the shoots, keeping all superfluous growths pinched out, etc. 

 plants which are intended to produce second crown 

 blooms will be making their second breaks. Three shoots 

 may be left on each for a few days. When three inches long 

 take out the worst of these ; and when six inches long take 

 out the worst again thus leaving but one growth to each 



