134 THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 



healthy, have become badly infected with stem rot 

 apparently through the surface of the ground having 

 been mulched with comparatively fresh stable manure. 

 Lime is a good corrective, freely mixed in the soil, but 

 safety lies only in avoiding the conditions known to 

 favor the development of the disease. 



Mildew sometimes manifests itself. It needs no 

 description, as almost everyone is familiar with the white, 

 powdery mold upon the leaves denoting the presence 

 of this fungus. A check to the plants, an excess of 

 atmospheric moisture, or too low a temperature, are the 

 most common causes of its attack. No time should be 

 lost in the application of remedies, ' as if allowed to 

 go unchecked for a few days it spreads rapidly over 

 the foliage, to its great detriment. Sulphur applied 

 direct, or painted upon the heating pipes, is the usual 

 remedy, but the sulphide of potassium, as before recom- 

 mended, is also a very good antidote. 



Although fungous diseases have been treated at 

 some length, the grower should ever bear in mind the 

 fact that they are all conditional; that the Chrysan- 

 themum is naturally a healthy, easily grown plant. 

 Insect pests we cannot a-void, but must studiously keep 

 under control. All efforts, however, along the lines of 

 proper cultivation resulting in vigorous, healthy stock, 

 are preventive measures of the best kind, and, in tho 

 main, carry with them a more or less complete immu- 

 nity from disease. 



