164 CHRYSANTHEMUMS 



flower as possible we give the plants twice 

 a week a watering with cow manure of about 

 the concentration of weak tea. Toward 

 the end of September the early varieties will 

 show colour. From this time on, feeding 

 must be stopped, only clear water being 

 given, and the quantity gradually reduced 

 until the flower is perfected. The opening 

 petals are very delicate and waxy; all contact 

 between blooms must be avoided. For this 

 purpose we build a shed over them and cover 

 it with canvas; or, still better, with glass, to 

 keep the rain and dew from falling on them 

 and to protect them from the hot sun's rays, 

 which easily burn them." 



