36 
CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 
level of the ball of the repotted plant, which should be an 
inch and a-haJf below the rim of the pot. 
At this stage be particularly careful when ramming in 
the soil that the tender surface roots of the plants be not 
damaged thereby. A light layer of soil over the surface 
should then be applied, and this pressed firm with the 
hand. Label at once, and if not already done, a stake 
of suitable length, nicely sharpened, should be inserted 
for the plant’s support. Insert the point of the stick an 
inch or two from the base of the stem of the plant, other- 
wise much damage may be done to the roots. Lightly 
but securely loop the growth to the stake. Stand the 
plants in a sheltered position on boards or sifted ashes 
outdoors, in squares of twenty or thirty plants in each, 
until they have recovered from the check experienced in 
the repotting, and have become established. 
Pinching or Stopping. — These two terms are very much 
misunderstood by the general run of amateur horticul- 
turists, and that there may be no mistake in the interpre- 
tation of the terms, a few words here in explanation may 
be advisable. Pinching and stopping may be regarded 
as synonymous terms, and are meant to imply that the 
plants should have the point of their growths pinched out, 
thus “stopping” the growth; hence the terms applied 
to this operation. When the plants are pinched in the 
manner described, it has the effect of inducing new shoots 
to develop in the axils of the leaves, immediately below 
that point of the growth manipulated. Some kinds are 
more free than others in emitting new shoots in the way 
indicated ; when this is so, the foundation of a nice bushy 
plant is assured. 
Immediately subsequent to the pinching of a plant, the 
soil should be kept rather dry for a time, as this assists 
in the quicker development of new growths, which is the 
chief desire of the grower at this time. Pinching may 
begin when the young plants are some six inches in 
height, but they must be well rooted at the time, and on 
