SPECIMEN" PLANTS 75 



subjecting the plants to a double check at root 

 and branch simultaneously. The essential 'stopping 

 can either be performed a week or so in advance of 

 repotting or deferred until a week or ten days after, 

 when the roots have begun to run into the new soil. 

 According to condition, the grower must judge for him- 

 self which operation should be performed first. 



''When the plants are about four inches high, pinch 

 out the tips,Vhich induces several growths to start; they, 

 in turn, when they have made a growth of from three to 

 four leaves, are again pinched, and this should be con- 

 tinued until the first of August. 'Stopping* of the 

 late flowering varieties should be discontinued ten days 

 earlier. Xo stimulant should be given as long as the 

 plants are making a healthy growth, but just as soon 

 as the foliage shows, by its color, that more food is 

 necessary, begin by using cow, sheep and horse manure 

 in liquid form, interchanging each week with soot and 

 some standard concentrated fertilizer. The first ap- 

 plication should be very weak, but as the plants become 

 accustomed to the food give it in stronger doses. Of 

 course each grower must .use his own judgment as to 

 the requirements of his plants. Some varieties that are 

 of a weak growth will not stand strong feeding, while 

 those of a healthy growth can scarcely be overfed. If 

 at any time the growth of the plants seems to be 

 checked, or lack tone of color, a light dose of nitrate 

 of soda will assist them, using it at the rate of twelve 

 ounces to fifty gallons of water. 



"When grown inside, the plants should receive all 

 the air possible, leaving a good space between them so 

 as to allow a free circulation of air and room for syring- 

 ing. When the nights become cool, heat may be given, 

 allowing some ventilation so that the air may not 

 become heavy with humidity, for Chrysanthemums 



