MANURES AND FERTILISERS. 
49 
sibJe, or until such time as they are required for succes- 
sional displays. Ventilate the glass house freely for some 
time after housing. As the plants come into flower slightly 
warm the hot-water pipes, in this way dispelling excessive 
moisture and allowing the flowers to develop. 
CHAPTER IV. 
MANURES AND FERTILISERS. 
The question of feeding the chrysanthemum, whether 
grown in pots or in the open air, is of such considerable 
importance, that we propose to de.d with it m a special 
chapter. It is pretty generally agreed that the chrysan- 
themum is a gross feeder, and so it is, as a matter of fact; 
but, at the same time, it must be fed with discretion, 
otherwise more harm than good will result. The novice 
frequently makes the mistake of commencing to feed the 
plants too early, hence he encourages the development of 
a soft, sappy, and gross growth, which experience has 
shown is fatal to the production of really fine blooms. 7‘he 
primary pwint to study in successful chrysanthemum cul- 
ture is to ensure a sturdy firm growth up to the time of 
bud development, and then to begin to feed in a judicious 
manner. But a firm, sturdy growth cannot be obtained 
unless the compost is carefully and intelligently prepared 
beforehand. A chemical analysis of the chrysanthemum 
shows very clearly that it contains a large proportion of 
nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash, lime, and magnesia, and 
hence care must be taken to see that the plants are pro- 
vided with these essential elements from the start, so that 
the subsequent growth, which has to give birth to the 
flowers, is properly nourished. 
