3S 
CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 
As a rule, cut-back plants develop comparatively few 
growths. Any number between three and nine flowers 
on each plant is enough, but even here there is some 
uncertainty, as the shoots do not always break away 
kindly subsequent to the cutting back. To cut back a 
plant, the stem of the plant is usually cut down to within 
four to eight inches — more or less — of its base, according 
to its normal height, but in no case should it be 
shortened to the hard wood. When cut back into the 
hard wood the shoots subsequently evolving are varied 
in character, some being very strong, while others are 
equally weak, and it is owing to this uncertainty that cut- 
back plants have disadvantages. For this reason, there- 
fore, about the middle of May, or rather later, the plants 
should be pruned in the manner just described. 
Observe the same rule with regard to keeping the soil 
dry for a time as was recommended for those pinched or 
stopped. The first buds subsequently developing in the 
apex of the new shoots are those that should be retained, 
and that this may be successfully accomplished, the small 
shoots surrounding the bud should be broken out while 
they are quite brittle, leaving the bud absolutely alone. 
These buds should appear in the point of the shoots dur- 
ing August, and if secured during the very hot weather 
and slightly shaded for a time, they will develop kindly, 
and ultimately produce large and handsome flowers. 
Staking and Tying. — This must be done regularly and 
systematically, and must commence when the young 
plants begin to attain fairly large proportions. It is 
astonishing how quickly a plant picks up when it has the 
support of a stake in its early history. Small stakes, 
nic^y sharpened at all times, should be used in the first 
instance ; and these of a length that will enable the grower 
to keep his plants in the cold frame until they may bear 
exposure to the open. 
In tying the young plants securely to the stakes use 
raffia, making the tie first to the stake, and then bring 
