86 CHRYSANTHEMUMS 



the growing point will become checked, some- 

 times from no apparent cause, and cease to 

 grow. If all of the side branches should be 

 removed in such case the plant would make 

 no further growth and consequently produce 

 no bloom. In case of the stem going blind, 

 allow the strongest of the upper side branches 

 to grow, and when long enough it should be 

 tied to the support, when it will form the 

 main stem. 



The surface of the soil should be stirred 

 frequently to allow the sun and air to act 

 upon it; also to kill weeds that will generally 

 start freely. Suckers will soon begin to grow 

 from the base of the stems. These should 

 be kept in subjection by removing a part 

 of them and pinching out the tips of the 

 others. Some varieties produce suckers 

 much more freely than others. Those that 

 do not produce them freely should have 

 but few removed, as it is upon these 

 that the supply of cuttings for the next year 

 depends. 



The depredations of insects and diseases 

 should be forestalled ; the ounce of prevention 

 is always worth many pounds of cure. A 

 constant and intelligent watchfulness must 



