CULTURE OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR EXHIBITION. 



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condition of the plants must determine when this work shall he done, and one can tell this 

 by an examination of the routs. When the roots are found to be working well round the 

 ball of earth, then repot. The more robust and vigorous rooting kinds will be ready earlier 

 than the delicate plants, Nature in this way spreading the work- over a long period, and 

 thus ensuring each plant getting its proper share of attention. 



A richer compost should be prepared for the next repotting, as the amount of food 

 required is greater as the plant progresses. Fibrous loam is on all occasions essential, and 

 of this material take four parts, and a sixth part of wood ashes or crushed charcoal. 

 To enrich the above, add a sprinkling each of bone meal and Clay's Fertiliser, and a 

 mere dusting of soot. Add sufficient coarse sand to ensure proper drainage, and see 

 that these ingredients are thoroughly mixed. The compost should be ready several days 

 before it is required, and turn the heap over each day to sweeten it. In. the meantime, 

 wash and crock the pots in readiness, and pay special attention to the latter. Too much 

 care cannot be bestowed upon the arrangement of the drainage, for failure in this respect 

 may absolutely spoil one's prospect of success. 



Observe the same rule in testing the readiness of the plants tor this shift. Those 

 in pots 3.'.in. in diameter should be placed in others measuring 6in. across, and those of 

 the smaller size into pots 5 in . in diameter. This rule may be followed with all kinds. 

 When repotting again, cover the crock: with the rough pieces of the compost, and, after a 

 handful of soil has been made firm in the bottom, remove the crocks from the plant to 

 be repotted, and then spread the roots out, resting the ball of soil on the bottom. Fill in 

 all round with the soil, carefully ramming this down rather firmly with a suitable piece of 

 wood. A few raps on the potting bench will also settle the soil. Just cover the surface 

 of the ball of the plant, and after inserting the label proceed with the next plant. When 

 completed, remove the plants to a cold frame and keep them rather close for a few days. 

 Afterwards gradually give more air, and then remove the frame-lights altogether. 



SUMMER QUARTERS. — By the third or last week in April, according to the weather at 

 this season, the plants should be placed on ashes or boards outside. Choose a warm and 

 sheltered position, and at first stand them in square blocks. In a short time they should be 

 spaced out, giving each one sufficient room to develop its ample foliage. In this way sturdy 

 growth is encouraged, and a splendid batch of plants perfected. 



It is well at all times to give each Chrysanthemum plenty of room, both inside the 

 frames and outside too. Overcrowding invariably hinders the proper development of the 

 plant. It is wise at this time to choose a site in w hich the plants are to stand throughout 

 the summer. If possible select a sheltered, yet open, position. Standing room with a 

 southern aspect, is a desirable position, with row s running from north to south, and in such 

 a position the plants obtain the beneficial influence of the sun during the day, an 

 important consideration in the case of the Japanese varieties. 



Incurved varieties seem to appreciate a less warm aspect, and are benefited by 

 being placed where they may obtain partial shade during the warmest hours of the hot 

 summer day. To keep the plants secure during boisterous weather, have an upright post 

 at eacli end of the row, and stretch two rows of stout cord, one at 3ft. and the other 5ft. 

 from the ground. Additional support should be given by adding other posts here and 

 there along the rows. Allow a space between each row of from qft. to 5ft., this usually 

 being ample. The plants may also be arranged along the edge of the kitchen garden 

 paths in all cases where accommodation is difficult to obtain. 



FINAL REPOTTING. — This brings us to an important detail of culture, namely, the 

 last repotting, generally know n as " final potting." Prepare compost similar to that 

 recommended on the last occasion, and add a Gin. potful of Thompson's plant manure, one of 

 i in . bones, and one of finely-broken charcoal to every tw o bushels. Break' the loam into pieces 

 about the size of walnuts, and mix thoroughly. A word with reference to the size of pots for 



