CHRYSANTHEMUM : KIKU. 



39 



The Chu-giku and Saga-giku will do best with this method, but the 

 kinds which are capable of producing strong-petaled flowers are preferable, 

 as the flowers are liable to incur some injury from the unsteadiness of 

 the branches. 



Tsugiki-Zukuri (by grafting). — This method is resorted to to produce 

 various sorts of flowers on one plant. The process of " tying-up " and 

 cultivation in this method is materially the same as that for the O-giku, 

 and wedge-grafting is employed. The best specimens are to be found in 

 the garden of our Royal family. Plants of this kind seem to me likely 

 to be very popular on such occasions as flower shows. 



Bonsai- Zukuri (dwarf -growing). — The object of growing the chrys- 

 anthemum in this manner is, as it is in the case with other plants, to 

 destroy as little as possible the natural features of the plant, and there- 

 fore the kind to be treated under this operation should be the single- 

 petaled variety, which is the natural state of the flower. 



Cultivation by Nukseky Gardeners. 



The method resorted to by nursery gardeners in cultivating the 

 chrysanthemum resembles in a great many respects the one prevalent in 

 this country. The propagation is effected chiefly by cuttings, and plants 

 are planted in pots. Generally, two or three plants are put together in 

 one pot and grow to two or three feet in height. The price for one pot 

 varies from Is. to 3s. 



The pompons which are to be used for the representations of scenes, 

 figures, &c, are shifted from the open ground to the required place, their 

 roots being well wrapped in damp moss. In this way the flowers will 

 last for a period of twenty days. 



It has already been mentioned that the professional method of culti- 

 vation is very much simpler than that of the amateurs, and for that 

 reason I have nothing to add under this heading to the statement I have 

 already given in connection with the amateurs. 



I have purposely omitted dealing with such problems as the pro- 

 pagation of the plant, preparation of the soil, the procedure of culture, 

 summer quarters, and prevention of enemies, partly for the reason that 

 they are carried out in this country in such an excellent manner, and 

 partly because my lecture has already reached its limits. One thing 

 I must emphasise is, that manuring the already mentioned Chu-giku, 

 Saga-giku, and Hironoshi-giku should not be done with too liberal a 

 hand up to the time of their flowering, for too much nourishment results 

 in making the flower petals too robust and harsh. 



