the German or “ quilled ” Asters of modem times; whilst in 
the other, the tubular florets have given way entirely to strap- 
shaped florets like those of the ray, these forming what are 
known as the French or 44 tasseled ” Asters. Among these 
latter have appeared a group called the Dwarf Chrysanthemum- 
flowered, to which our figures belong. 
These Dwarf Chysanthemum-fiowered Asters, the habit of 
which is shown in our illustration, (which represents one entire 
plant on a reduced scale,) are among the most charming of an¬ 
nual flowers. They grow from four to six inches high, and 
become branched from the base, so that, with a central stem, 
and from five to seven lateral branches, each terminating in a 
large flower-head, the plants form a compact flat-topped bou¬ 
quet. The more symmetrically formed plants are really pic¬ 
tures of beauty. There are various colours among the flowers, 
from which we have selected two of the most pleasing, namely, 
a bright rose-colour, and a deep blue-purple, both having a 
clear white centre. We think this group of Asters will be 
particularly adapted for liberal pot-culture, which it well de¬ 
serves. It will also be valuable for beds or borders where dwarf 
but showy flowers are desired. 
Asters are not difficult of cultivation, provided these two 
points are constantly kept in view:—1, the soil can hardly be too 
rich for them, provided it is pervious in texture; 2, the plants 
should never sustain a check in their growth. If these condi¬ 
tions are secured, success may be looked for confidently. The 
routine treatment is, to sow the seeds in April in a very gentle 
warmth, or, failing this, in an open sheltered border; to prick 
out the young plants thinly into light rich soil, as soon as they 
are large enough to be handled readily; to afford slight shelter, 
if raised in a warm place, until summer weather has set in; to 
plant out thinly in light, porous, well-enriched soil; to guard 
against attacks of green fly, using preventives and remedial 
agents as from time to time required; to water assiduously 
during hot parching summer weather, weak liquid manure 
being occasionally desirable; and, when unusual excellence is 
desired, to shade slightly from very powerful sunshine. Very 
satisfactory results may however be usually obtained by atten¬ 
tion to the enrichment of the soil, and the prevention of insect 
attacks. 
