THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. 



459 



The remarks applied to the early-flowering out-door singles apply 

 with even greater force to the later ones. The latter should provide a 

 display of blossoms from late October until December is well advanced, 

 and throughout this somewhat lengthy period the demand for the single- 

 flowered varieties is increasing in a remarkable degree. 



Densely-flowered cluster-sprays are distinctly top-heavy, and are there- 

 fore less sought after than those having their flowers on long foot-stalks. 



Fig. 101. — Chrysanthemum ' Caledonia.' 

 (Award of Merit, November 24, 1908. See p. ccxliii.) 



A very large proportion of the varieties catalogued by the specialists to- 

 day are too weak in the flower-stalks. Instead of the flowers being held 

 in an upright position, they droop their heads, and the flower stalks 

 lack the stout and erect character that is essential. 



In judging of the merit of the single-flowered Chrysanthemums, the 

 number of rows of ray florets should not preclude any variety from the 

 possibility of gaining a certificate of quality, provided there are not too 



