CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR MARKET. 73 



cheap, and an over-supply is generally on hand. But ^it 

 a florist has something really choice on show, good in 

 colour and a fair size, he can command a good price for 

 it, sufficient to allow of a profit for himself and the 

 grower as well. And the latter soon gets applications for 

 a fresh and regular supply, and so a profitable agreement 

 is come to between them. For the best florists do not 

 depend entirely upon the markets, but prefer to procure 

 their flowers direct from the growers, thereby receiving 

 them in the freshest possible condition. 



How to Grow Market Varieties. 



We must commence with early flowering varieties. 

 When these have done flowering a sufficient quantity of the 

 old stock should be dug up. Cut the old stems to within 

 six inches of the ground; clean away decayed leaves, or 

 anything which may cause decay. Put these pretty closely 

 together in frames, or the end of a cold house, or any 

 place where they can be kept above freezing-point. In 

 February take the cuttings which have grown clean away. 

 Do not grub them out of the soil. A cutting two inches 

 long is ample. Dibble these (not too thickly) into boxes of 

 fine soil and a little sand. Place them in a gentle heat, 

 and sprinkle them to keep them from flagging. They 

 will speedily make root. As soon as they are rooted, and 

 before they begin to run, stand them out into cold frames. 

 Keep these closed for a few days. Then begin to allow 

 air, and when they show signs of growing 

 take out their points. Give them air on all favourable 

 occasions in abundance. They will stand in these boxes 

 until April or May, and become nice little sturdy plants. 



Towards the end of April the ground where these are 

 intended to be planted should be got ready for the opera- 

 tion. Many growers draw out drills as if for planting 

 peas (about 18 inches apart), and pllace the plants in these. 

 They are thus sheltered somewhat from the wind. 



By the beginning of May planting may commence in 

 earnest where large batches have to be put in, and they 

 should be planted 15 or 18 inches apart in the rows. It is 



