THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



a thorough soaking should be given to settle the soil about 

 them, and also to prevent the foliage from drooping. A low pit 

 or frame, with a hot-water pipe round, is an excellent place to 

 stand them, maintaining a temperature of 45deg., and keeping 

 the place closed until the cuttings have rooted. If air is 

 admitted by ventilation before the rooting process is completed, 

 the foliage will be sure to flag, an evil always to be avoided. 

 If the sun comes out brightly, it is an excellent plan to lightly 

 damp the foliage overhead with a syringe ; this tends to keep 

 the leaves plump. 



The process of rooting will vary considerably. Some varieties 

 make roots very quickly, while others are very slow. Those 

 that strike first should be removed to a cooler and more airy 

 position, but safe from frost. The plants should be kept close 

 to the glass to obtain all the light possible and induce a sturdy 

 habit ; unless this is done, particularly while the days are short, 

 the plants become drawn and weakly. Watering, again, is a 

 very important matter. To achieve success the plants should 

 never suffer from lack of water from the time of their insertion 

 as cuttings until after they have flowered. At the same time, 

 continued saturation must be avoided. It is by close attention 

 to detail that many leading Chrysanthemum growers have 

 attained fame. 



By the end of March the cuttings will have filled their pots 

 with roots, and should be potted into 5in. size, draining 

 carefully, and covering the drainage with moss, to keep it free. 

 At this potting the compost should consist of three parts good 

 fibrous loam and one part well-decayed leaf-mould or spent 

 horse-droppings, with a 5in. potfull of fine bone-meal to every 

 barrow-load of soil, thoroughly mixing the whole. If the loam 

 is of a very heavy character, a little silver sand may be added ; 

 but it is advisable not to make the soil too light. Press the 

 soil moderately firm, and leave a space about ^in. deep at 

 the top of the pot for water. If the plants are watered well a 

 little time before potting, it will not be necessary to water 

 them again for a day or so. When it is necessary, give a good 

 soaking, using a fine rose on the pot in order to avoid dis- 

 placement of the soil. 



After potting, a cold frame, with the floor covered with coal- 

 ashes, is the most suitable place for the plants, but still keeping 

 them close to the glass, and also somewhat close for a few 

 days until the roots have started taking possession of the new 



