224 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 
[ Marck 24, 1892. 
Peesent Work amongst Chrysanthemums. 
The present is perhaps one of the busiest months of the whole year 
for those who have charge of a large collection of plants, whether they 
be intended for the production of exhibition blooms, for home use, or 
any other purpose. The recent long-continued wintry weather delayed 
some operations, which necessitates extra work now that the weather has 
taken a change to that of a more spring-like character. I allude 
especially to the fear of removal of the plants from the greenhouse to 
cold frames during a period when from 12° to 15° frost was a nightly 
occurrence. During such weather as this it was decidedly risky to 
transfer the plants from the houses to the frames. In some cases they 
may have received a certain amount of “ coddling.” Some of the newer 
varieties are shy in throwing up cuttings, or they are sometimes 
weakened through the demand for them being so great the old roots are 
forced on in heat. The consequence is such plants quickly exhibit the 
effects of so severe a change in their quarters. Under such conditions 
those who kept their plants in the safe quarters of the greenhouse are at 
the present time more pleased with their appearance than those who 
removed them in the midst of hard frost and snow. 
From this time onward the best place for the plants, for whatever 
purpose they are intended, is the cold frame. Here the growth is more 
“ stocky,” the plants being nearer to the glass, and if each stands clear 
of its neighbour they are all right for space. A thick bed of coal ashes 
is the best foundation for the pots to stand upon. This provides efficient 
drainage for surplus water passing through the pots, and prevents the 
ingress of worms, which do much harm to the roots in small pots. 
Air should be admitted freely to the plants in favourable weather, 
tilting the lights on the opposite side from which the wind blows. At 
this time of the year, although the sun has great power, it is often 
accompanied by cold east winds. The admission of these in a direct 
manner ought to be avoided, as it predisposes to mildew. 
Watering the plants must be performed with care. By carelessly 
using that which is drawn direct from wells or tanks, and consequently 
much colder than the soil in which the plants are growing, the colour of 
the leaves of the plants is quickly changed from the deep green, which 
is natural to well-managed plants, to the sickly hue which some exhibit 
when all conditions are not favourable. Tepid water ought to be altvays 
used at this time of the year. Thoroughly soak the soil, and wait until 
more is needed, in preference to daily waterings, following any stringent 
rule. 
Potting the plants is important, and it this be neglected during the 
early stages success cannot follow. Allowing the roots to become 
matted together is decidedly wrong. When one pot is full of roots the 
plants should be shifted to the next size without delay. 
The main body of the plants grown for large blooms or specimens 
will now require a shift into pots inches in diameter, this being a 
suitable size from which they can be transferred to those in which they 
are to flower (9-inch pots), except in the case of those cultivated as 
specimens, which require more root room. 
It is a mistake to give the plants too much root space ; rather than 
do that I prefer to place two plants in one pot at the final shift. Any 
pots 10 inches or 11 inches in diameter in stock can be utilised in this 
way. The compost employed for the present potting should have some 
“ body ” in it to give the plants a stout foundation for future growth. 
It is while they are growing in the next two months that their future 
strength is denoted. Although it is possible to have the stems too 
thick and sappy, if this is avoided they cannot be too stout. I like to 
see the plants thicken from now onwards. Soil devoid of richness is 
not good for the plants. Take, for instance, turf from pasture land 
much impoverished, or that from down land which overlies a chalk 
foundation, and which has received no manure in any form for twenty 
years, such soils as this need the addition of some stimulant. Ground 
or dissolved bones, or the various chemical manures, are good for 
enriching such soils ; added at the rate of about 2 lbs. to every bushel 
of soil the progress of the plants will be much accelerated. The usual 
lightening materials of leaves, charcoal, and wood ashes ought to be 
added in proportion to the character of the soil if it be light or heavy. 
Firm potting must be practised to induce maturity as the growth 
proceeds by the encouragement of fibrous roots. I will continue the 
subject with reference to dwarf plants.—E. Molyneux. 
The National Chrysanthemum Society. 
The annual general meeting of the above Society was held in 
Anderton’s Hotel, Fleet Street, on March 15th last, when Mr. R. 
Ballantine occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance 
of members. The annual report of the Committee was presented, 
and stated that the Society numbers nearly 700 members and 
Fellows, and there are ninety Societies affiliated to it, with cor¬ 
respondents in many parts of the world. The three Exhibitions 
held during the year were superior in many respects to what was ex¬ 
pected, regard being had to the uncongenial season ; and at the great 
November Show cut flowers and specimen plants were remarkably good, 
and the competition in all the leading classes was keen. Daring the 
present year Exhibitions will be held, as usual, in September and 
November; and, instead of holding a midwinter Exhibition, there will 
be a Show in the month of October. The work of the Floral Committee 
has been of a valuable nature, and although numerous flowers are staged 
certificates are awarded with great caution. The question of increasing 
the size of the stands for Japanese blooms having been much discussed, 
the Society is strongly urged to take action, and the Committee recom¬ 
mend a Conference being held at the time of the October Show in order 
that the question may be fully discussed. Differences of opinion e.xist 
among growers, and any suggested changes should be made only after 
the matter has been fully considered. The financial statement showed 
an income from all sources of nearly £800, including about £300 from 
the Royal Aquarium Company. Members’ subscriptions amount to 
£200, and from affiliated societies for fees and medals have been 
obtained £108. On the expenditure side about £450 has been paid in 
prizes, inclusive of medals ; and other items made up an expenditure of 
£835. The report and finaneial statement was adopted. 
The election of officers was next proceeded with, and Leopold de 
Rothschild, Esq., was elected President for the current year ; the names 
of Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, Bart., Mr. R. Smith, and S. Barlow, Esq., 
were added to the list of Vice-Presidents. Mr. Robert Ballantine was 
re-elected Chairman, and Mr, E. C. Jukes Vice-Chairman cf the 
Committee; Messrs. R, Dean and C. Harman Payne, Secretaries. 
Twelve members of the Committee retired by rotation, and of these 
Messrs. T. Bevan, H. Shoesmith, G. S. Addison, R. Owen, W. Langdon, 
A. Taylor, and J. P. Kendall were re-elected ; and the following were 
elected :—Arthur Veitch, W. Herbert Fowler, J. Brooks, E. Rowbottom, 
and J. T. Turk. Messrs. F, Cobbold and G. J. Ingram were appointed 
auditors. It was arranged that a general meeting of members should be 
held on one of the days of the November Show to give members an 
opportunity of making suggestions in reference to the work of the 
Society. Five new members were elected, and two societies were 
admitted to affiliation. The customary votes of thanks concluded the 
business of the meeting. 
The Rugby and District Chrysanthemum Society. 
Thb schedule of this Society has just been issued, and in it the date 
of this year’s Show is announced to be November 16th and 17th, the 
Judges being Messrs. Lewis Castle and J. P. Kendall. Sixty-four classes 
are provided, the prizes being substantial in all the principal open classes, 
both for plants and cut blooms ; for thirty-six of the latter (eighteen 
incurved and eighteen Japanese, distinct) the first prize is £5, with a 
special additional 4-guinea prize of a combination eight-day clock 
aneroid barometer, and thermometers in a nickel silver stand. The 
balance sheet for 1891, included in the schedule, shows a cash balance 
in hand of £11, and besides this a cheque of £6 43. was forwarded to the 
Gardeners’ Orphan Fund as the result of a sale of plants, flowers, and 
fruits. The Society is evidently well managed, and is performing a 
useful work in the district. 
A NOTE ON PHYLLOCACTUSES. 
Op Phyllocactuses which are not generally known the following 
are worthy of mention :—P. caulorrhizus, which has handsome flowers 
6 inches in diameter, the petals white, and the sepals pale green; 
P. Jenkinsoni, a hybrid or seedling variety, with large beautiful and 
richly coloured flowers of a brilliant crimson-scarlet hue, very free, and 
a favourite with many growers. Concerning this plant, as also in 
reference to the adaptability of Phyllocactuses as window plants, a 
correspondent writes:—“ Cacti are associated with my earliest memories, 
for in a window at home we had a plant of P. Jenkinsoni and one of 
P. speciosus, each of which has flowered profusely almost every season 
for the last thirty years ; and as pruning was frequently resorted to, 
their progeny are now innumerable. The plants were grown in the 
window during autumn, winter, and spring, being placed in the open 
air during the summer ; and with such simple attention they have for 
so many years been a source of considerable pleasure.” P. multiflorus, 
a floriferous form, with reddish-crimson flowers, the surface of the 
petals having a peculiar satin-like lustre, is a similarly useful variety ; 
whilst one named in honour of the late Mr. Peacock is marked by a 
very rich shade of crimson. 
Numbers of fine varieties and hybrids have been raised at various 
times, but there yet remains plenty of room for further additions to the 
list of useful Phyllocactuses. By crossing amongst themselves with the 
best of the Cereuses, or even with the Epiphyllums,8ome grand results 
might be obtained. The last-named cross has been attempted, but 
unsuccessfully, though if one has failed others might succeed, and a 
totally distinct race would doubtless be produced.—L. 
FACTS ABOUT GRAVEL WALKS. 
The time-honoured practice of turning the gravel on walks annually 
or every second year is an excellent one in many instances, but in these 
days of cheap weed killers is not resorted to so often as formerly. 
Although weeds are easily kept under now the surface of the gravel 
becomes discoloured, and requires a little attention to keep it in a clean 
