374 Chinese Chrysanthemum. 



ed, and kept in a dry place in close paper packets, will grow 

 the second year ; and that all seeds whatever, whether kept 

 in the seed-vessel or exposed in open drawers, will grow the 

 first year after being gathered. Mignonette seed will keep 

 seven years; but that of Stocks and Wall Flowers will not 

 remain good more than two years, unless kept in the pod. The 

 seeds of Sweet Peas and Lupines will with difficulty keep 

 two years ; while those of Prince's Feather, and of Poppies, 

 will keep several years. Larkspur seed will seldom grow 

 after the second or third year. Notwithstanding the length of 

 time for which some seeds will keep, it is generally advisable 

 to sow them as soon after they are ripe as practicable, since 

 fresh seeds always vegetate much sooner than old ones. 



CHINESE CHRYSANTHEMUM. 



The varieties of Chrysanthemum are well known, but not 

 as much appreciated as they should be. This is surprising, 

 when it is considered that they are not only easy of cultivation, 

 but that they form a great addition to the beauties of the flower- 

 garden in the latest months of autumn, when every thing else 

 is dull and withered. The following account of the history of 

 the Chinese Chrysanthemum, and directions for its cultivation, 

 are compiled from excellent authorities, both English and 

 American — and the mode of culture is one especially adapted 

 to our own climate. 



The first known account of these beautiful flowers is given 

 by Rheede, in 1678. He describes, however, only one species, 

 which had flowers of a greenish ash-color, and grew in its 

 native country in sandy places. A curious Latin work by 

 Kaempfer, published in 1712, and called Amctnkates Exotica, 

 gives a long description of the plants of Japan. Among these 

 are mentioned thirteen varieties of this plant, ten of which 

 have since been obtained, and are now cultivated. 



Rumphius, in his Herbarium Amboiense, gives a long and 

 interesting account of the Chrysanthemum. He says, that the 

 Chinese value it highly, and bestow great pains on its culture ; 



