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INTRODUCTION. 



The highly flattering reception accorded the last edition 

 of my book, both by the Press and the gre^t body of 

 chrysanthemum growers, has induced me to revise the 

 work and bring it up-to-date. Several chapters have been 

 re-written, and new chapters have been added; and I hope 

 that the lists of the best varieties, which have been care- 

 fully compiled, will be found instructive and valuable. The 

 subject of culturall treatment does not, however, allow of 

 much alteration; there is very little that can be added to 

 what I have set forth in former editions, but where it has 

 been possible to amplify the hints previously given I have 

 done so. 



The popularity of chrysanthemums continues to increase 

 in all parts of the world. There seems to be no limit to 

 the number of varieties or to the diversity of colours. New 

 specimens are being constantly introduced. And nothing 

 can surpass in public favour the loveliness and graceful- 

 ness of the early flowering kinds. In a preface to the last 

 edition I said : 



" Of late, newer chrysanthemums easy to cultivate have 

 received considerable attention, and great strides have been 

 made more particularly with the early flow r ering varieties. 

 This class of chrysanthemum has much to recommend it. 

 It may be raised by persons of the most limited means; it 

 makes a fine autumn display for beds and borders ; or it 

 may be grown in thousands for cut flowers for market. 

 The initial cost is not more than that of the usual 

 bedding-out plants, and therefore early flowering chrysan- 

 themums are within the reach of thousands who cannot 

 cultivate the large indoor varieties." 



The foregoing observations are equally true of " earlies " 

 to-day. But considerable advance has been made within 

 the past few years, particularly as regards the introduc- 



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