GROWING EXHIBITION BLOOMS 93 



not be taken so early. There is sometimes 

 considerable difference between plants of the 

 same variety grown in the same locality by 

 different growers. Unless the grower is fully 

 acquainted with the character of the va- 

 rieties grown, in respect to the bud develop- 

 ment, it will be a safe rule to take no buds 

 before August 2Oth. Some varieties will not 

 produce good blooms from buds taken at 

 that date, but they are few. When a crown 

 bud is formed early in August and is not 

 taken, the branch that is let grow will pro- 

 duce what is called a second crown bud. 

 This differs slightly from the first crown bud 

 in having short terminal growths about it, 

 and they show buds at the same time as the 

 crown bud; almost as soon as the latter can 

 be seen. This second crown bud will gener- 

 ally make a first-class bloom. While per- 

 haps not quite so large as blooms from the 

 first crown bud, it will be better finished. 



As the buds are forming, special efforts 

 should be made to have the plants free from 

 all insects, and also means taken to prevent 

 the development of mildew. During the 

 last half of August and the first half of 

 September the hose should be used freely, 



