34-2 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



needed for fastening the bamboos, as all the growths can then be neatly secured against 

 injury by rough winds. 



Attend closely to the removing of superfluous side shoots, and keep the leading 

 growths properly fastened to the stakes, as some are very brittle and liable to be broken 

 by winds and birds. Disbudding can be the most safely and expeditiously accomplished 

 in the morning, as then the growths are crisp, the plants becoming a little flaccid under 

 the influence of hot sun. A delay of three or four days in removing lateral shoots has 

 the effect of retarding some buds. Gradual disbudding is preferable to the removal of 

 many growths at the same time, as this last mistake may cause some buds to turn 

 "blind " and be worthless. 



Housing the Plants. 



The precise time for removing chrysanthemums from the open air and arranging 

 them under glass must be governed by circumstances. In some localities it is not safe 

 to leave the plants out after September 20th, in a few not so long, but in districts not 

 liable to be visited by early frosts and gales, the first week in October is usually soon 

 enough for placing the majority of plants under cover of some kind. Exceptions must 

 always be made in favour of any varieties which expand early, as if these are left out 

 after the buds show colour, damping of the florets will be the inevitable result. 



Light, airy structures, span-roofed from choice, are needed for show chrysanthe- 

 mums. When they are much shaded by peach-trees, grape vines, or climbers, the 

 plants are apt to become spindly. At the same time provision should be made for 

 affording light shade during the prevalence of bright sunshine. Overheating of the 

 blooms, followed by a possibly cold night, predisposes them to damping, by which many 

 are ruined. Arrange the plants according to their respective heights, not crowding 

 them closely together, as this may mean the early loss of much good foliage. The later- 

 flowering plants may be accelerated, if desired, by according them the warmest end of 

 the house, and all ought to be kept at least one foot from the glass. Incurved varieties 

 are sometimes detached from the stakes and loosely secured to roof- wires, and the blooms 

 hanging down are supposed to " fill up " better and also keep longer in a fresh state. 



Ventilate freely but avoid admitting sharp currents of air, as this chills the plants 

 and favours the spread of mildew. Provide sufficient fire-heat to insure the requisite 

 circulation of warm dry air, and the top ventilators ought to be left open to the extent 

 of an inch or two on mild nights. Temperatures may range from 45° to 55°, but an 

 occasional drop to 40° on frosty nights will do no harm. Higher temperatures may 



