22 CHRYSANTHEMUMS 



wood, cement, or other material. Benches 

 made to hold soil to a depth of four to six 

 inches, with openings in the bottom — 

 evenly apportioned to each square foot of 

 its area and amounting to from five to ten 

 per cent, of the area — for drainage are 

 better than solid beds, as the grower has 

 greater control over the roots. Plants in 

 solid beds will often make stronger growth 

 and heavier foliage, but the flowers will 

 not generally be as good. 



Benches should be low, particularly so 

 those at the sides of the house, allowing at 

 least three feet from top of bench to eave- 

 plate. Anywhere from twenty to thirty 

 inches will be a convenient height. Benches 

 may be constructed resting directly upon 

 the earth floor, if proper drainage can be 

 provided, various methods of construction 

 being used. Benches can thus be made 

 practically indestructible, and to combine 

 the advantages of benches with all the 

 available head-room secured by using solid 

 beds. For convenience in working, the 

 beds should be not more than three or six 

 feet wide, those of the latter dimension being 

 between two walks. Walks may be from 



