82 THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 



shown in Fig. 23, illustrating the varieties Merza and 

 Wm. Duckham. 



"We usually put in the cuttings for six-inch single 

 stems about June 1. This may seem late to some 

 growers,, but having paid careful attention to this class 

 for several years, it has been found that the best results 

 come from cuttings inserted about this time. Prefer- 

 ence is given to cuttings for this purpose from plants 

 that have been kept in cold frames all winter, as they 

 are of a more sturdy growth than those in the green- 

 house. The propagating bench is filled with clean, 

 sharp sand, which, after being beaten down, is about 

 three inches in depth. The cuttings are then inserted, 

 given a thorough watering and a syringing morning 

 and evening on all bright days. 



'"For shading the cuttings newspapers may be used, 

 which should be removed every evening. Plenty of 

 ventilation is given at all times to prevent damping off. 

 When the cuttings are rooted they are potted quite 

 firmly into clean three-inch pots and watered. They 

 are placed on a bench in the greenhouse on finely sifted 

 coal ashes and kept shaded from the sun for a week 

 or so, after which they are allowed all the light and 

 air possible. The compost used for potting the cut- 

 tings consists of four parts of light loam to one part 

 of old, well-rotted manure, and is put through a half- 

 inch sieve. 



"The plants are syringed mornings and after- 

 noons on all bright days. When the plants are well 

 rooted in the three-inch pots they are shifted into six- 

 inch pots, which are washed clean and well crocked or 

 drained. The compost used for this potting consists 

 of four parts of good fibrous loam and one part of well 

 rotted cow manure, both chopped up finely. To every 

 wheelbarrow of this is added a six-inch potful of fine 



