PROPAGATING CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 103 



not in reality. The stamens of the flower of 

 the real autumn crocus, of which there are se- 

 veral varieties, produce saffron ; the root of the 

 colchicunr is used in medicine. 



You ought now to put in practice the instruc- 

 tions I gave you in my last letter, for making 

 cuttings, as June is reckoned a good month for 

 striking green-house plants. 



Chrysanthemums may now be propagated in 

 various ways : the most simple is, to take off a 

 single stem, with some of the roots adhering to 

 the bit pulled off: this method ensures success : 

 the plants require only to be potted singly in 

 small pots, watered/and placed in the shade till 

 they have rooted; but it is considered, that 

 cuttings make the handsomest plants, and pro- 

 duce most flowers : to make them, about five 

 joints should be cut from the old plant, and 

 set, either singly in thumb pots, or several in 



