CHAPTER I 



Introductory Notes 



The world-wide popularity of the Chrysanthemum 

 and the prominence accorded it among cultivated 

 flowers in America are ample justification for this 

 addition to the literature of the flower. 



The subject as a whole is an alluring one and 

 it is no matter for surprise that some writers have let 

 speculative fancy run riot among the recorded facts 

 of the Chrysanthemum's gradual evolution when trac- 

 ing its progressive development from its earliest types 

 up to those that represent it today. It is not uncom- 

 mon,, this effort to show modern achievement to be a 

 logical outcome of the past, irrespective of conditions. 

 To sustain this conclusion there should be in the 

 Orient today more flowers of the same uniform high 

 characteristics as those we are so familiar with of 

 domestic origin. 



It is only natural, now that the progeny has 

 attained such merit and high, distinction, we should 

 manifest considerable interest in the parents of the 

 modern Chrysanthemum, and review through genera- 

 tions some of the present day glory reflected from 

 their children. 



Confucius mentions the Chrysanthemum in his 

 Li-Ki, but the best history that can be compiled is 

 fragmentary, incomplete and spread over centuries. 

 A compilation of accepted facts, however, is given 

 elsewhere in this book for the interest it will naturally 

 have to those who love this flower. A glance thereat 

 will show that the Chrysanthemum which has won the 



