88 CHRYSANTHEMUMS 



When the buds are well formed one week of 

 watering with nitrate of soda may be given, 

 after which this chemical should not be used 

 again. Alternate waterings with cow or 

 sheep manure water, sulphate of ammonia, 

 and nitrate of potash will give sufficient 

 variety of food, and, if properly applied, will 

 produce first-class blooms. These special 

 feedings must always be consistent with 

 good judgment and observation, bearing in 

 mind the admonitions and advice given in 

 Chapter V. 



SELECTION OF BUDS IMPORTANT 



About the first of August, sometimes ear- 

 lier, but generally a little later, some of the 

 early-flowering varieties will begin to form 

 what are known to professional florists and 

 gardeners as "crown buds." The growing 

 tip of the plant will appear to divide, and 

 instead of a single stem continuing to grow 

 there will be (generally) three branches 

 growing from the top of the plant. In the 

 axil of these branches will appear a small, 

 elongated bud. This is the crown bud, 

 a very important factor in the produc- 

 tion of first-class chrysanthemum blooms. 



