232 



My GARDEN. 



are annual Chrysanthemum exhibitions. I was once president of one 

 of these societies, and was much gratified by observing the pleasure 

 which the superior mechanics and the middle' class in possession of 

 small gardens took in rearing these plants. At the Temple Gardens, 

 the gardener, an ardent lover of plants, has astonished the floral 

 world by his success under disadvantageous circumstances. At the 

 middle valley of Brighton the gardens at the end of November are 

 quite bright with these flowers. Wherever it is possible they should 

 be grown, and those who have an orchard-house may cultivate them 

 m great perfection by growing them in pots in the open air as late 

 as possible, and then placing them in the orchard-house, when fine 

 flowers can be obtained. The flowers of the Chrysanthemum have 



Fig. 454. — Chinese 

 ChrysanthemLim. 



Fig. 455- —Japanese 

 Chrysanthemum. 



Fig. 456.— Pompones. 



the valuable property of keeping in blossom a long time after they 

 have been cut, which is useful in the dark- months of November and 

 December, when flowers are scarce and precious. The colour of the 

 larger flowers varies from the brightest yellow and various shades 

 of red, to the purest white. During the last two or three years 

 the Japan varieties (fig. 455), with loose petals, have come into 

 cultivation. The small Pompone varieties (fig. ,,56) are most useful 

 or table decoration. For exhibition purposes a little warmth is used 

 to develop the flowers, and all side flower-buds are cut out. I regret 

 to state that curiing irons and other instruments are employed to 

 manufacture a regularity in the petals of the flowers, which are in 

 fact treated for exhibition in the same way as the hair of a lady's 

 head when she is going to a State reception. 



