December 5, 1896. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
217 
necessary, and the decay engendered by a few 
tubers may have often done serious harm by the time 
the resources of the pit are drawn upon for culinary 
purposes. 
•--- 
CHRYSANTHEMUM WILLIAM 
TUNNINGTON. 
This variety was raised by Mr. Robert Owen, Floral 
Nurseries, Castle Hill, Maidenhead, in 1893, and 
proved so excellent in every respect as an incurved 
Chrysanthemum, that it continues to hold its own 
for exhibition purposes against all rivals of its type 
which may have risen since then. It is a massive bloom 
of a reddish-chestnut, with golden-bronze tips to the 
A CHAT WITH MR. EDWIN 
MOLYNEUX. 
The Ipswich Chrysanthemum Show was honoured 
by the presence, as judge, of a gentleman who is the 
recognised authority as to the Chrysanthemum and 
its culture. Not to know Mr. Edwin Molyneux, 
F.R.H.S., of Swanmore Park Gardens, Bishop’s 
Waltham, Hants, is to confess ignorance upon the 
history of the beautiful flower of autumn. The 
variety that bears his name is still one of the loveliest 
crimsons in existence; years ago, Mr. Molyneux 
pretty well swept the boards in competitions all over 
the country ; finally, after the crowning feat of 
carrying off three twenty-five guinea challenge cups 
flower of this time of the year until it can be 
replaced by something superior ; and where that 
' something ’ is to come from I can form no idea. I 
believe the Chrysanthemum will go on increasing in 
popularity. It is the poor man’s flower as well as 
the rich man’s, and its cultivation is becoming easier 
for people who are not blessed with wealth or great 
means.” 
" But the growing of blooms for exhibition must 
surely be an expensive business ? ” 
“ To bring the flowers up to the highest stage of 
development does undoubtedly involve expense and 
infinite care ; but it is only in this way that the good 
points of individual varieties can be thoroughly 
brought out. That is where the value of these 
Chrysanthemum William Tunnington. 
florets. The latter are of good substance, broad and 
blunt at the tips, and these qualities insure a 
compact and well incurved bloom of imposing 
appearance when well-grown. The colour is richest 
from terminal buds, so that the latter are by far the 
best for exhibition purposes. The variety may be 
reckoned a mid-season one, and growing naturally to 
a height of 4 ft. to 5 ft., it is reckoned dwarf for the 
section to which it belongs. It was honoured with 
a First-class Certificate when it first made its 
appearance at a meeting of the National Chrysan¬ 
themum Society. The accompanying illustration 
was supplied us by Mr. Owen. The variety appeared 
in many of the winning stands at the various exhibi¬ 
tions held during the past month, 
for two years in succession, he gave up exhibiting, 
himself, and found abundant scope for his knowledge 
in judging the productions of others. The great 
demand made upon his services in this respect is 
evidenced by the fact that he takes a tour of about 
2 000 miles every season, and which extends from 
Plymouth in the south right away to far Dundee. 
The opportunity of " interviewing ” such an expert 
was one that could on no account be missed. 
“ Do you think the * cult' of the Chrysanthemum 
is going to last ?” was the first question asked of 
him when he had concluded his labours at the show. 
" In spite of what the critics are saying,” he 
replied, “ that the Chrysanthemum has had its day, 
my opinion is that it will remain the favourite 
annual shows comes in At the expense of the rich 
men, we find out what are the best and most suitable 
flowers, in the matter of easy culture, for the poor 
men. The growers of both classes soon come in 
touch with one another; there is a sort of freemasonry 
between them. One of the best features of your 
show in all ways, by the way, is the class for residents 
who live in houses rented at not more than £15 per 
annum.” 
•' And what are the more notable changes,” it 
was asked, " that have been accomplished in recent 
years ? ” 
"For one thing,” said Mr. Molyneux, "the 
raisers themselves are now going in very strongly 
for plants of dwarf habit. Ten years ago the leading 
