Chrysanthemums. 83 



botanical affinity. It has handsome bright yellow 

 and pink flowers. Propagated by offshoots and seed. 

 Ravenala madagascariensis the Travellers' Tree. 

 A plant similar in form to the above-mentioned 

 species but bolder in habit, and worthy of intro- 

 duction into this country for large gardens. Other 

 plants of a semi-aquatic nature worth growing, 

 and already in the country may be noted ; for 

 instance, Xanthosoma robusta, X. violaceum, Cala- 

 dium esculenta^ Hedychium Gardineanum, H. corona- 

 rium, H. chrysoleucum, Colocasia antiquorum var. 

 Fortunesii, Arundo donax variegata, Phomium tenax 

 (Flat Lily), Cannas, &c. 



CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 



The number of varieties of these favourite plants 

 that succeed in Egypt is now very considerable, and 

 every year new ones are being introduced. 



Although it is hardly to be supposed that flowers, 

 equal in size and beauty to those we see in England 

 can be produced here, yet with a certain amount of 

 attention very creditable blooms may be obtained. 



One of the drawbacks to the successful cultiva- 

 tion of the chrysanthemum is that the native 

 gardeners have not yet learnt to grow the plants 

 annually from cuttings, and the consequence is that 

 old clumps flower in May much to the detriment of 

 their autumn blooms. 



Many sections such as Japanese, Incurves, 

 Pompoms, Reflex, and a multitude of named florist 

 varieties all succeed more or less here, according to 

 the attention paid to them ; but the number is so 

 large and tastes differ so greatly, that in making 

 selections, choice must be left to the individual pur- 

 chaser. 



CULTURE. 



To obtain good plants, strong cuttings should be 

 taken from healthy clumps in February or March, 

 and struck in sandy soil, either singly in small pots 

 or three or four round the sides of a 3in. pot ; water 



G 2 



