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JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



many rows to justify the flowers being regarded as semi-double. Colour 

 and general decorative utility appear to be points of primary importance, 

 and if they, together with a good bushy habit, be represented in the 

 plant, surely these points are sufficient in themselves to justify special 

 recognition. 



In recent years there has been a disposition to describe the single 

 flowers having several rows of florets, as decorative-singles, but what of 

 the others? Are they not decorative, and if so, should they not be 

 classed in the same way ? Exhibiting has its advantages, but if in en- 

 couraging the exhibition types we are eliminating the better decorative 

 elements of the flowers, the sooner a different standard of quality is set 

 the better. After all, it is their practical value that must have first 

 consideration. 



The form of the single-flowered Chrysanthemums has changed very 

 considerably in recent years. We are now acquiring a number of 

 varieties that are more fantastic and pleasing than the even, regular 

 flowers that were regarded as ideal in earlier days. The suggestion has 

 been made that blooms with twisted, curled, drooping and otherwise 

 curious-shaped florets should be placed in a new section under the 

 descriptive title of ' Japanese Singles.' 



This suggestion might well be carried into effect to the advantage of 

 all concerned. Many admirers of the fantastic singles have a decided 

 preference for flowers of this form over the more even and regular blooms 

 that first found favour. A number of new varieties of this class are 

 added every year, and as their decorative qualities become better known 

 there is reason to believe fhey will oust the earlier race of flowers from 

 their proud position, as the Japanese have done the incurved blooms in 

 the double-flowered sections. 



The so-called Japanese singles can already be obtained in infinite 

 variety of form, and the stellate character of many of the flowers 

 ensures their effective use in artistic floral decorations. 



Recently we have seen varieties in which the inflorescence is 

 carried a long way down the spray, and distinctly pretty they are. 

 The older florist, however, has already shown his disapproval of their 

 recognition, and in no uncertain terms has said, they are only fit for the 

 rubbish heap. Novelty in this respect should be encouraged and blind 

 prejudice should be ignored. 



The most satisfactory fact regarding the single-flowered Chrysan- 

 themums is that market growers are beginning to appreciate their value. 

 These growers, however, are very hard to please. An essential factor in 

 their opinion is that the flowers should travel well. 



Varieties having stiff stout florets appear to find more favour with 

 market men as they are less likely to get damaged in transit from their 

 gardens to the various markets. It may be that they will in time conceive 

 a new or better way of packing the single-flowered ones and then they 

 may be more disposed to grow other varieties than the limited selection 

 their present rule imposes on them. 



The market growers also say that the eye or centre of the flower is 

 too large in most instances. They are so emphatic in this assertion that 

 they uriblushingly state "all you see in some flowers is the eye." This 



