January 10, 1895. 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
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CHRYSANTHEMUMS: 
JAPANESE UP TO DATE. 
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T he election which I had the pleasure to conduct last year was 
so much appreciated that, acting on the invitation of the 
Editor of the Journal of Horticulture., I have again secured the 
co-operation of the leading growers and exhibitors of Japanese 
Chrysanthemums to carry on the useful work. The yearly 
increase of varieties necessitated the extension of the number this 
year to thirty-six. When we consider that no less than 178 varieties 
were named for the thirty-six list, the extension appears justifiable, 
and is distinctly a proof of how wide personal taste travels. With 
a view of rendering the election thoroughly representative, the 
number of electors was increased to seventy, as against forty-two 
last year, and as will be seen when the individual returns are 
published, the opinion of cultivators, not only in England and 
Scotland, but in Wales and Ireland also, was invited, and they 
freely responded. From numerous letters received it would 
appear that growers greatly appreciate the knowledge gained as 
aiding them in the selection of varieties for the current year. 
The original date fixed for closing the election was December 15th, 
but an extension of one week was granted for the benefit of a few 
who, through pressure of home duties, were unable to respond 
earlier. 
Complaint was made last year that those persons who simply 
grew Chrysanthemums for decoration were neglected. A selection 
of varieties for this purpose has therefore been added, and from 
the returns received should prove a success. The addition of new 
varieties in a list by themselves will afford instruction in the 
purchase of this section, and the fact of no less than 154 being 
named in the compilation of the twelve required proves how 
difficult it is for a person without experience to make a selection, 
especially when situated far away from a horticultural centre. 
To assist those last named the election was mainly instituted, and 
I am pleased to find that our efforts are appreciated, and to those 
who co-operated I tender my hearty thanks for their valued aid. 
Several electors suggest that next year the incurved section should 
be included, as the number of varieties has increased considerably 
during the last ten years. 
Although there are seventy electors, only sixty-nine votes are 
recorded to any variety in the thirty-six list, which apipears some¬ 
what strange at the first glance. The explanation is, one elector 
confined his selections to twenty-four and twelve varieties. 
A few remarks on the position attained by certain varieties 
may not be out of place. In the thirty-six list Yiviand Morel, 
Charles Davis, and Mdlle. Therese Key are equal in the number of 
votes gained. It would be difficult to imagine a better type of a 
Japanese Chrysanthemum than either of those named. Not only 
do they possess size, but refinement; and added to this the habit 
of growth is a recommendation of no mean order. When we 
consider that the variety bearing my name has been in existence 
eight years and still comes within one vote of the maximum it 
should be gratifying to the raiser, especially when we know that 
the constitution of Japanese Chrysanthemums usually deteriorates so 
quickly. Sunflower still holds its own as a yellow flowered variety, 
in spite of perhaps more opposition than in any other colour. 
Miss Dorothea Shea has steadily advanced until it occupies 
the tenth place in the list. Etoile de Lyon obtains sixty votes, a 
sufficient proof that it still has admirers. Viscountess Hambledon, 
No. 759.—VOL. XXX., Thied Series. 
despite the difficulty experienced first in obtaining cuttings, and 
secondly in its tendency to set premature buds, has secured no less 
than fifty votes, which proves that its merits are appreciated. 
Niveus, a pure white flowered variety, occupies a prominent 
position, seeing that it is comparatively new, equalling the old 
favourite Avalanche. Boule d’Or, introduced as far back as 1882, 
just secures a place, which is a distinct tribute after twelve years’ 
service. 
The selection includes all forms or types of Japanese, if I 
except those with hirsute florets, a section not generally in favour. 
The list contains few sorts that can be found fault with on the 
score of quality, excepting Mrs. E. W. Clarke and Mrs. C. H. 
Payne. These two I do not personally regard with favour, as 
under ordinary culture the blooms display a want of refinement. 
The selection of twenty-four varieties is an admirable one, and 
an exhibitor who could stage that number in the best condition 
would be extremely hard to beat. Not only in this list but also 
in the twelve pride of place is still occupied by the two favourites, 
Viviand Morel and Charles Davis. Many more interesting com¬ 
parisons and comments could be made, but I fear too much space 
has already been occupied. 
I am indebted to all my coadjutors for the assistance they have 
so willingly given, and also for the excellent suggestions tendered 
by many of them, and a few of which are embodied in the following 
letters. That eminent authority, Mr. W. H. Fowler, writes :— 
“ It is quite impossible to place them in their order of merit. There 
is such a large number of good sorts now that it is very difficult 
to pick out as small a number as thirty-six or twenty-four. I 
should think you would be giving much more assistance to growers 
by asking for the best sixty or seventy-two varieties. The country 
growers are much indebted to you for the time and trouble you 
take on their behalf. Why not try seventy-two after this?” Mr. 
Martin Standing says :—“ I am glad you are again making a selec¬ 
tion of Japanese Chrysanthemums, and I am also pleased to see the 
decorative sorts mentioned.” Mr. A. Haggart writes :—“ I have 
great pleasure in forwarding my selection. Twelve varieties of 
the decorative section is not enough. This is a most useful and 
interesting class, and deserving of more recognition.” Mr. James 
Myers says:—“ I shall be most interested in the returns when 
published.” Mr. Gr. Foster writes :—“ As so many new varieties 
come to the front every year it is a matter of great diflSculty for 
experienced persons to select the best.” (I would add how difficult 
it must be for the inexperienced !) 
Mr. E. Beckett says :—“I think your idea excellent,and it will, 
I feel sure, be much appreciated by all who are about to form a 
collection, and also to many who are anxious to revise their lists.” 
Mr. A. Coombes writes :—“Extending the number is a step in the 
right direction. I fancy next year you will have to make it forty- 
eight. I am pleased you have taken the decorative section in hand.” 
Mr. Inglefield says :—“ I think these returns are most interesting 
and serviceable to all growers, and a sure method of weeding out 
inferior varieties.” Mr. Charles Lawton writes :—“ Our list of 
incurved sorts increases yearly. Would it not be well to give 
the best twenty-four and twelve in that section another season ? 
Such a selection would be much appreciated by recruits as well as 
by veterans.” 
Mr. Donald Forbes follows in the same strain. “lam more 
interested in what would be the beat stand of twenty-four incurved, 
and hope it will be published later.” Mr. Quarterman says 
“ I am anxiously awaiting your report before making up my 
collection.” Mr. E. Pinnington remarks:—“The Journal of 
Horticulture commenced a good work when it began to point out 
worthless varieties of fruit ; but in publishing returns of the 
best Chrysanthemums it is doing a still greater.” Mr. J. Hughes 
expresses himself thus “ I think all Chrysanthemum growers 
(beginners in particular) are greatly indebted to you for the 
election, which must prove of great assistance.” 
No. 2tl5.— Yol. XCIL, Old Seeie.s. 
