Culture of Chrysanthemums. 75 



of the ball was found, while the surface retained a superabun- 

 dance of moisture. A uniform temperament of the whole mass of 

 materials in the pot is the desideratum sought after, and which, 

 by the introduction of pieces of stone into the soil, as recom- 

 mended by Mr. M'Nab, was effected to some extent. Still, 

 after a continuation of dry weather, when frequent watering 

 became necessary, I found even then, on examination, the 

 bottom and centre part of the ball to be sufficiently dry to ac- 

 count for the seemingly inexplicable failure of the plants. To 

 overcome this, and to equalise the temperament of the material 

 used, the idea suggested itself of employing something of a more 

 retentive nature than bog-earth, sand, and broken stones; and 

 recourse was had to the following compost : — Equal quantities 

 of the knobs of turfy loam, turfy peat, pieces of broken freestone, 

 and chopped moss, mixed together ; and this, in potting, will 

 form the centre. Moss only is used to cover the drainage. The 

 surface and sides are of that soil usually recommended in cul- 

 tivating the ^rica. During the extreme aridity of the bygone 

 season, I made a point of frequently examining the balls of some 

 plants thus treated, which, on comparison, I found most satis- 

 factory, and in such a state as fully justifies me in sending you 

 this communication. 



Bicton, near Exeter, Nov. 2. 1836. 



Art. XII. On the Culture of Chrysanthemums. By James Cuthill. 



Chrysanthemums have long been considered a great orna- 

 ment to the conservatory ; and their beautiful blossoms are fre- 

 quently brought to great perfection, though we never see what 

 may be considered as a handsome plant; and we never shall, till 

 the old system of growing the plants in pots the whole year 

 round is done away with. I have given my plan two years' 

 trial ; and can, with confidence, recommend it as a great and 

 decided improvement. In the month of April, I take as many 

 suckers of each sort as are wanting, and I plant them out, 

 in good prepared ground, about 2 ft. apart. As soon as they 

 begin to grow I top them, and continue doing so with each 

 succeeding growth, until they begin to assume a shrubby ap- 

 pearance ; not staking them, but allowing them to grow at plea- 

 sure. If a succession of plants is wanting to blossom very late, 

 or rather in the commencement of the year, I keep topping 

 a few on purpose; and, in dry weather, I water them, from a 

 pump I have got fixed in our new melon ground, with the 

 drainings of all the manure : this is the very essence, and no 

 gardener should lose it. On the 1st of September, I pot my late 

 chrysanthemums into thirty-twos, and start them, by putting 



