Plate 474 . 
JAPANESE CHRYSANTHEMUMS— SOL AND 
SULTAN. 
Opinions are still very much divided as to the value of this 
class of flowers. “ How can you possibly see anything to admire 
in such loose, ragged flowers ?” is frequently the question we 
are asked ; while, on the other hand, there are many who will 
with ourselves appreciate them for their show}'- character, and 
also for their coming into bloom and continuing in bloom 
later than the ordinary chrysanthemums. We have had them 
this year, without taking any particular care of them, in bloom 
until the beginning of February, and in places where there are 
more appliances we doubt not they could be had in bloom until 
the end of that month or the beginning of March. 
Having had the opportunity of blooming the best of the 
varieties sent out by Messrs. Salter and Son last autumn, we 
are enabled to decide as to their character, and we have found 
the following in our opinion to be the best. Dr. Masters: a most 
distinct and showy flower ; it changes considerably from the 
period of its opening, the centre being then yellow, but after- 
wards becoming red, and the petals, which are at first red, being 
then tipped with yellow. James Salter : a flower of immense 
size, of a clear lilac or mauve colour ; the petals being twisted 
about in a most extraordinary manner. As a plant for deco- 
rating a conservatory, it has no equal in its class. The indi- 
vidual flowers remain a long time in bloom. Hero of Mag dala : 
a very remarkable flower, the petals red, and orange buff on the 
