Chrysanthemums. 181 



us whatever we are willing to pay for, but in the pres- 

 ent headlong race for trade the price of rooted carna- 

 tion cuttings has fallen below that at which a first-class 

 article can be produced. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

 CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 



The first, question for the cut flower grower to decide 

 is, not how many he shall grow, or in what form he 

 shall grow them, but shall he grow any. Will the mar- 

 ket upon which I depend for their sale, consume the 

 crop at prices that will compensate me for the labor? 

 Another query must also be answered while this is un- 

 der consideration. If a house is devoted to them, what 

 crops will follow that can be disposed of, and that will 

 consume the space without loss of time? The amount 

 of bloom placed on the market each season, by those 

 who plant and gather it in much the same way they 

 would sow and reap a sheaf of grain, and with as little 

 care, is appalling. If this is the only class of bloom 

 your market will take, it is better to leave their culti- 

 vation to others, saving what little of time and strength 

 would be expended on them, for other things. 



If on the other hand the taste of the consumer in 

 your vicinity has been educated to look for, and be 

 willing to pay for a better article, no one who grows 



