52 
CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 
until they begin to burst. Always moisten the soil with 
water before applying the ammonia, otherwise there would 
be a risk of the roots being injured. 
Fowl and pigeon droppings, steeped for a week in water, 
then diluted with half water, make a good liquid fertiliser. 
Put a peck in a coarse bag, and soak it in thirty gallons 
of water. If given alternately with the soot water good 
results will follow its use. 
Ma,gnesia has been mentioned as being beneficial to the 
chrysanthemum. While it is not necessary to add it to 
the potting compost, it is desirable to give the plants two 
doses of it from the time the pots are filled with roots 
until the buds become fairly fully developed. Add one 
ounce, therefore, of carbonate of magnesia to two gallons 
of water. Bear in mind that two doses only are necessary. 
Liquid drainings from a stable, or from horse, cow, 
or sheep dung, placed in tubs of water, are good for pro- 
moting a healthy growth of the foliage, but as they contain 
nitrogen and potash only, it is essential, if these are relied 
upon, to add superphosphate also to provide phosphoric 
acid. A teaspoonful of this should be sprinkled over the 
surface of the soil at every alternate application of the 
liquid manure. A peck of manure is sufficient for every 
thirty gallons of water. Fresh manure must be added 
every time the cask is refilled with water. 
Special Precaution. — No matter what liquid manure be 
used, always take especial care that the soil is moist at 
the time of application. If at all dry, moisten first with 
water. This precaution not only avoids any risk of injur- 
ing the roots, but also ensures the speedy assimilation of 
the food by the roots. Cease feeding when the blooms are 
fully developed, otherwise the petals may become too soft 
and flabby and easily susceptible to injury by damping. 
Topdressing. — Some growers make a point of not filling 
the pots too full with compost at the time of the final 
