November 4, 188S. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
413 
erratic Chrysanthemum might have been occasionally insufficient mois¬ 
ture at the roots and imperfect maturation, and hence my reason for 
growing it where a maximum of both would be secured. By spreading out 
the stems and training them as they develope every inch is firm wood, 
and the foliage as well becomes ripe and matured. If frost threatens — 
there has been none in the south of Ireland so far—protection is easy. 
If Mr. Owen would try the ordinary November bloomers in this way, not 
to mention the early varieties, he would find the growth is much more 
restricted and less rampant than he seems to think. Until he does he 
cannot compare results. 
After reading Mr. Molyneux’s note on this subject (page 385), espe¬ 
cially as to the time of flowering, I feel inclined to doubt that Mr. Owen 
has the true variety. Mr. Owen recommends me Flora (P). I should 
like to ask him does he consider it preferable to Prdcocitd ? 
Calyx Buds on Chrysanthemum Blooms. —On this point, in 
which small incipient buds seem to grow out of the calyx underneath the 
petals, and that “ T. P.” (page 363) aptly compares to Hen-and-chicken 
Daisies, “ A. L. G.’s ” explanation as to the time of “ taking ” the buds 
seem the most reliable cause. Mr. Owen says : “ He has come to the 
conclusion “ T. P. ” has left the whole of the buds surrounding the 
central, and has not disbudded.” He has misunderstood the matter 
altogether. “ T. P. ” has one of the largest collections well grown, and 
is himself one of the best amateur growers in the British Isles.—W. J. 
Murphy, Clonmel. 
Last Year's Plants. —Last Bpring I had about 100 old plants 
which had not been removed from the pots in which they had flowered 
the previous autumn, only the old wood cut away and the roots kept 
from frost. In April the young growths were about 1 foot high and very 
weak. Instead of throwing them away I cut the young growths down t > 
within 2 inches or so from the old stumps. When the fresh breaks were 
just started the plants were turned out, the soil shaken away, and a 
portion of the roots cut off sufficient to allow of their being placed into 
5 or 6 inch pots, using a compost of a third leaf mould and sand, thoroughly 
mixed with good turf. When potted they were placed in a cold frame, 
kept close, and syringed daily till the roots had taken hold of the new 
soil, after which air was freely admitted. Only a very little watering 
was necessary during the first fortnight. The plants made fresh roots 
quickly, and when the young growths were about 3 inches long I examined 
them, taking out all the weak ones, leaving three or four of the strongest. 
The plants were next placed in 10 and 11-inch pots. The soil used was 
similar to that in which they were first potted, with a little soot added. 
These old plants were from that time treated just the same as those taken 
as cuttings at the usual time in December. The wood appears riper than 
the other, and the bloom very promising. Some of both were disbudded, 
and at the present time the most promising flowers are on the old plants. 
The object here is to grow for cut flowers and grouping. The plants are 
from 3 feet to 5 feet high, and answer the purpose admirably.—G. 
Garner, Ambermood Gardens, Hants. 
New Varieties. —It is full early yet to form a correct opinion of 
some of the most recent introductions, but it is evident that there will be a 
few valuable additions to the large-flowering Japanese section that will find 
a place on the exhibition table. With one exception I have not yet seen 
any promising addition to the incurved section. What a pity our con¬ 
tinental raisers do not turn their attention to this class now instead of 
flooding the country with so many doubtful improvements in the Japanese 
and decorative sections. There is still a wide field open for them in this 
direction. 
L'Ebouriffee (Japanese). — This variety I obtained from Messrs. 
Gannell in the spring, and it has fully borne out the high estimation I 
formed of it when I saw it in their stand last year. In growth it very 
much resembles Jeanne d’Arc, the foliage and wood being of a light 
glaucous green with rather finely cut foliage, but the flowers open out 
very much like Criterion, which it somewhat resembles, only the colour is 
not so decided as in that excellent variety, being splashed and heavily 
shaded brown on the amber ground. The florets are broad and the lower 
ones thrown well out. A good one to cover the board, and one of the most 
promising new varieties for exhibition. 
Jupiter (Japanese).—This is of the Jeanne Delaux and John Laing 
type in growth and evidently closely related to them, but a very great 
addition in the brightness of colour. It unfolds very much after the style 
of Jeanne Delaux, with florets of the same character of a bright fiery 
crimson colour. 
Pelican (Japanese).—A long tuby-petalled variety of the Dragon type, 
and will evidently make a good exhibition flower for the board. The buds 
come somewhat bard, and will require a little heat to fetch them out. A 
most promising variety ; colour, a creamy white. 
White Dragon (Japanese).—However much this may resemble the 
preceding variety in colour and shape of flower, it is thoroughly distinct in 
growth, being evidently a counterpart of the old Golden Dragon. I saw it 
looking very promising at Morden Park, and I hope Mr. Gibson will be 
able to show it in good condition. 
Maiden's Blush (Japanese—Stevens).—This is a very robust grower, 
with large broad foliage, flowers deep and full, florets broad and reflexed, 
of a delicate blush pink, but hardly long enough to be a typical Japanese. 
Very distinct. 
Madame J. Laing (Japanese).—A very robust grower, with broad and 
distinct foliage. The peculiarity of the flower buds, as they are be¬ 
ginning to unfold, is very noticeable. They appear to be scalded and 
withered, but they open out with broad and somewhat pointed florets of 
good substance ; colour, a silvery pink outer petals splashed and shaded 
of a deeper lilac pink, centre cream. Distinct, hut with rather too much 
incurved blood in it. 
Bronze Queen (Incurved—Carter’s).—This variety appears coming 
true to its character as exhibite 1 last year, and I was in hopes it would 
make a valuable addition to the incurved classes. I have no doubt but 
that we shall see some good flowers staged of it. I am only afraid that it 
will have the long florets of the old Golden Queen, which is so very apt to 
reflex and go back ins ead of the shorter incurved petals of Lord 
Alcester or Golden Empress type. The day may come when we shall bo 
able to put up a dozen distinct varieties of Queens; a deep yellow, Mr. 
Bunn colour, will no doubt be the next break, an! what a treat if we 
should get from this bronze a dark one of the Prince of Wales or Re¬ 
fulgence colour.—C. Orchard. 
Taking Chrysanthemum Buds.— It appears I did not make my 
meaning sufficiently clear respecting the buds of our Chrysanthemums ; 
at least Mr. Molyneux did not rightly understand ic if he thought I 
meant that the buds I said were taken on the 6th of August were the same 
that were showing on the 1st. Had those buds been allowed to remain on 
the plants—not taken—six days, I should certainly agree with Mr. M fly- 
neux in saying our plants did not receive proper attention ; but I wish to 
explain to him that all buds that showed before August 6th were at once 
removed and the shoots taken on to the next bud. 
The varieties of which buds were taken from the 6 .h to the 14th of 
August were Meg Merrilies, Golden Dragon, Comte de Gsrminy, La 
Nymphe, Duchess of Albany, Criterion, and Soleil Levant. Of these the 
two first-named were amongst the few varieties Mr. Molyneux said might 
be taken on the 10th, and even here that date is not too early. Admitting 
we did not strictly follow Mr. Molyneux’s advice when we took the buds 
of the varieties mentioned above, I can scarcely perceive how he can 
blame us for taking all that showed after that date, for in the concluding 
chapter of his articles on their culture (page 301, September 30th), he 
says, “ I have always tried to impress upon beginners that, there is no 
necessity to do certain things on the same date exactly ; indeed, it is 
impossible to ‘ take ’ Chrysanthemum buds on any given day of the 
month, for the reason that buds do not always show on the same date 
each year ; therefore, should they show on the 5th of August one year in¬ 
stead of the 10th, it is hardly likely that I should advise the removal of 
such buds because of their being five days too early.” Therefore I con¬ 
clude Mr. Molyneux would not have removed those buds had he been in 
my place. 
Mr. Molyneux tells me that if I wish to have good blooms of the 
varieties I named first in my note I shall be compelled to have them fully 
expanded by the time I stated they were fully out, as these varieties are 
naturally rather early in blooming. I presume Mr. Molyneux meant this 
to apply only to growers in the most southern counties, and in this I fully 
agree with him; hut evidently it is not the same everywhere, for on referring 
to the Journal for November 12th of last year I find that at the Crystal 
Palace Show, held on the 6th and 7th of that month, blooms of four of the 
six varieties I mentioned were exhibited in winning collections. In the 
class for six Japanese of one variety Mr. Orchard was a close second with 
Mons. H. Jacotot, of excellent substance and superb colour ; whilst Comte 
de Germiny and M. Tarin were amongst the “ chirm ng examples” ex¬ 
hibited by Mr. Ridoutin the class for eighteen varieties of Japanese, thus 
proving that some growers are able to obtain good blooms of those 
varieties without having them fully open by the middle of October. 
In the notes on the Chrysanthemum Outlook, at page 368 of the 
Journal, I see Mr. Harding of Bristol House has managed to secure blooms 
of Jeanne d’Arc at the right time by topping the plants in July and taking 
crown buds towards the middle of September. Would those buds be 
rightly termed “crown” buds? and will they produce good blooms ? If 
so, would it not be a good plan to adopt with all the naturally early 
varieties ? Perhaps someone who has tried this will be good enough to re¬ 
cord the results, as it would doubtless be very acceptable to others as well 
as myself to know how to get good blooms of those varieties in November. 
I must add that it was not my wish to be unjust in what I wrote at 
first. I simply gave as my opinion, which I still maintain, that the 1st of 
September is early enough for taking the huds of most varieties.—C. L., 
Bristol. 
Hen-and-Chickens Chrysanthemums. —I thank “ A. L G.” for 
his reply to my query relating to above, which I feel sure is the correct 
explanation, as a plant of James Salter having this peculiarity in crown 
buds set early in August has fair ordinary terminal blooms upon it. Mr. 
Robert Owen is quite in the dark in his remark on this subject. I hare 
read with great interest the notes from the different growers in various 
districts, and think some remarks from the South of Iteland may be 
acceptable to your readers. “ W. J. M.” writes from this locality, but 
though enthusiastic in all matters relating to horticulture, he only grows 
Chrysanthemums for decorative purposes, not having sufficient glass to 
house them. About five years since I was the first here to grow for large 
blooms. Several of my friends and neighbours appreciating the result 
followed my example (some of whom have already passed me), the 
outcome being a local show held last year, which wa9 considered very 
good for a first attempt. This year another show will be held on 21th 
November on a more extended scale. Owing to the cool and wet summer 
here, plants have grown very tall. I have one plant of Madame Audiguier 
unstopped which is now nearly 10 feet high, three others were smashed 
by high winds. I have several other varieties over 8 feet high, with 
crown buds nearly expanded, such a9 Belle Paule, Comte de Germiny, 
