9 8 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



varieties having received certificates and awards of merit from the Eoyal Horticultural 

 and Eoyal Botanical Societies. 



A double pyrethrum should have flowers formed of many florets arranged in a 

 regular manner, and gradually becoming smaller until they reach the centre, 

 which should be free from any opening. The flowers ought to be imbricated, i.e., the 

 florets lying over each other, so as to form half a ball. The ray florets must be suffi- 

 ciently prominent to form a neat base, yet not so conspicuous as to make it unshapely. 

 Light-coloured flowers ought to be pure and of pleasing effect ; the darker ones to be 

 decided, bright, and clear. The single varieties must have one or two rows of broad 

 ray florets of good form and substance, symmetrically arranged, with a round, bright 

 yellow disc, the colours possessing the same qualities as the double flowers. See illus- 

 tration (Fig. 50) for double and single flowers, also page 262, Vol. I. 



The pyrethrum is quite hardy when established, and is of easy cultivation in a 

 sunny position in any good soil. This should be well dug, and a good dressing of well- 

 decayed manure incorporated with it in the process. Spring is the best season for 

 planting, and young plants ought to be frequently examined in search of slugs, which 

 are extremely fond of the succulent growths, and must be warded off if possible. A 

 dusting of quicklime or a little soot will be found of assistance in destroying or keeping 

 off the slugs. The pyrethrum likes a good supply of water when coming into flower, 

 and if the first blooms are cut before seeds form and liberal treatment is given during 

 the summer, a second crop of bloom is generally yielded in the autumn. 



The pyrethrum is increased by division immediately after flowering, or by cuttings 

 of the side shoots made in summer. Insert these in sandy soil under a hand-light on a 

 shady border or in a cool frame. There they may remain until well rooted, when they 

 can be planted out where they are desired to flower. 



From a good strain of seed single and double flowers can be obtained, several of 

 them equal to those represented in the coloured plate, for which see the Index. 

 Sow the seeds in pans or boxes of light soil, keeping them under a frame or in a cool 

 greenhouse until the plants appear. Give air gradually ; prick off the seedlings when 

 large enough, and gradually harden them, previous to planting outside ; if raised early 

 and kept sturdy they flower the same year. 



Selection of Pyrethrums. 



Double Varieties. 



Beauty of Laeken, crimson. 

 Carl Vogt, white, early. 



Alfred, rich crimson. 

 Aphrodite, pure white. 



