114 THE CULTURE OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. 



to it until you have done it satisfactorily. You will then 

 not be likely to leave it. 



Don't enter in larger classes, when exhibiting, than you 

 can manage properly. It is better to show twelve good 

 blooms than twenty-four with four or five, or even one 

 weak bloom. 



Don't get down-hearted if you do not gain all first prizes 

 at your first attempt at exhibiting. There are many old 

 exhibitors who are very glad to stand in the prize list 

 at all. 



Don't use bones for drainage to pots. You may be 

 successful for a year or two, but at some time or other you 

 will regret it. 



Don't use stimulants of any kind too strong, but weak 

 and often, and on no account before the pots are full of 

 roots. Be very careful with chemicals. I have known the 

 fumes which arose from nitrate of soda and sulphate of 

 ammonia destroy the leaves two feet up the stems. This 

 is often the cause of naked stems. 



Don't take out the break shoots too clos? to the bud 

 when securing the -latter, but leave one just below it, and 

 another six inches or so below that, until the bud gets 

 started. These growths will do no harm for a few days, 

 but, of course, must then be removed, or the bud will most 

 surely suffer. 



Don't allow any plants to be blown about unsecured by 

 a stake at any time, for the month of September very 

 rarely passes without a rough wind. 



Don't leave any plants out unprotected after the end of 

 September, for a sharp frost may occur any night. 



Don't pot a plant at any time if it is very dry, or use 

 a dirty pot, otherwise when you come to re-pot you may 

 find the tender roots sadly torn and sticking to the old pot. 



Don't water a plant when it is already wet enough at 

 the roots, as this will cause sappy growth and sour the 

 soil. 



Don't water a plant for a few days after it has been 

 potted, but sprinkle it overhead two or three times a day 

 in hot weather to keep it from flagging. 



