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274 THE FLORIST, 
servations with his name, anonymous critics or correspondents, who 
dissent from his views and opinions, are not entitled to a reply; and, 
with every sentiment of deference to the much-respected editors of 
The Florist, I would venture to hint the desirableness of discounte¬ 
nancing a practice which involves an evident infringement of courtesy. 
Hull, September 14. F. R. Horner. 
[We think the latter observation of Dr. Horner is based upon 
sound principles. It only remains for us to state, that our corre¬ 
spondent “ Experimens” gave us his name and address, Muthout 
which the article under that signature would not have been pub¬ 
lished .— Editor.] 
THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. 
Of all our winter flowers this is perhaps the most useful, and cer¬ 
tainly none are more easily cultivated. There is, however, a mode 
of culture pursued by some, which, we think, possesses some advan¬ 
tages over that commonly in use. It is that of raising the plants 
from layers instead of from cuttings. The benefits arising from 
this system are, 1st, A greater quantity of plants can be produced. 
2d, Greater variety can be obtained in regard to size; a cireumstance 
of some moment, when it is considered that the Chrysanthemum 
dislikes much stopping. And, 3d, Plants can be raised from layers 
at less expense and trouble than they can be produced by any other 
system. 
First, then, as regards the production of the plants. As soon 
as they have done flowering, plant them out on a prepared border, 
having a west aspect; top-dress with a little well rotted manure, 
and cover lightly with straw, to protect them from the full rigour 
of frost, which may probably set in after they are planted. So soon 
as favourable weather arrives, say in March, cut down the old stems, 
and encourage growth by forking-in the rotten manure with which 
they were top-dressed. When of sufficient length, let the young 
shoots be layered in the pots in which they are intended to remain, 
the early layered ones of course requiring the largest pots ; stop the 
shoot at the time of putting them into the pots, and again as soon 
as circumstances will allow. The tops might be made into cuttings 
if required; but unless very few plants have been put out, no 
necessity will exist for this. 
2d. As to sizes, great variety may be obtained in this respect 
by allowing a month to elapse between the layerings, which will 
also give a succession in time of flowering. By this means, instead 
of having the plants all of uniform height, we have them of all 
heights, from three inches to three feet; and in the last layering 
(which should be effected by the end of July or beginning of 
August), three or four stems may be tied together and layered in 
one small pot: these will be in beauty at Christmas. When the 
pots are properly filled wdth roots, and the flower-buds formed. 
