r PnE early snowdrop appeals to our affection as an earnest 
1 of the coming spring, but the Chrysanthemum cheers 
us amid the chill gloom of incoming winter, and 
remains with us almost until the flowers of the new year 
peep forth timidly. It is no coy weakling moreover. 
Generous and free, it lights up the humblest cottage 
garden as it. makes gorgeous the most carefully-tended 
conservatory. Although a winter flower, it affords a wealth 
of colour unrivalled, and when we only believe in the sun 
through faith it preserves for ns the hues of a glorious 
summer sunset. Japanese gardeners cultivated “ the golden 
flower’’ with enthusiasm long before we did, but we have 
beaten them at their own game. We had only forty varieties 
in 1832 ; now they are legion. “I do not think Japan has 
anything new to offer us : we have ransacked it,” said Mr. 
Canncll. the other day. We were in that wonderful hollow 
at Swariley. well named the “ Home of Flowers.” Perhaps 
nowhere eke in the world can oi.e feast one’s eyes so well 
on that multiplicity of Protean forms and bewildering hues 
j which this cousin of the. ox-eye daisy and corn-marigold has 
assumed under cultivation. Wild, tangled Medusa heads, 
tiny, symmetrical button-like pompons, florets twisted and 
thread-like, loose and flowing ribbons, formal, close-set 
, quills, broad, curled, and hyacinthine, hirsute and barbed, 
in colour more diverse than their forms, bear witness to the 
astonishingly varied development which distinguishes the 
most eccentric of flowers. Here, too, are the small spidery 
blooms ladies delight to honour by wearing in their corsage. 
Among these, the Chrysanthemum of the year is Mrs. R. 
standard. Filkins, just over from Japan, with forked florets of a full 
_ — _J yellow. Another novelty is the delicate Centaurca, and 
here is h lkshorn with its strange florets resembling a stag’s antlers. This spidery variety, in addition 
to its refined beauty, has the advantage of bloom ng profusely, and it lasts far into the winter. Of a 
different order are Kentish White , one of the com ng flowers of next year; Madame Lucien Ckaure, 
of a tender fawn colour; M. Panckoucke , a deep yellow; and AJachar , a rich orange. An 
astonishing mob-head of tanuled threads is well named Good Gracious: and another remarkable 
flower is John Runyan, of anemone form, with a great cushion centre. The Pride of Swan fey , a 
seedling of this year, is a lovely creamy bloom ; Leviathan has the inner side of its florets a deep 
rose and the reverse a silvery white; Sir Walter Raleigh is silvery and lilac; Primrose League 
sulphur with a white centre, and Florence Davis white with a greenish centre. The Princess of 
Woles is an incurved Chinese variety. A noble flower is the great snowy mass beauty of Exmouth, 
and a singular one is a bronze bloom with a Japanese name. Oue of Messrs. Cannells’ triumphs 
here is an old favourite, the superb deep-toned Ed>rin Molyneux. and the great mauve bloom Etoile 
de Lyov, for both of which Chrysanthemum lovers are indebted to Mr. Cannell. What new 
surprises are in store next ve^r among the multitude of seedlings ranged in pots round the houses no 
one knows, but if the Blue Chrysanthemum ever beco es a fact it will probably make its first 
appearance at Swanley.- THE ECHO, 29th Nov., Ib94. 
S. dkqqell & $oi$’ Gfuide. 
Cfipmueums at Swamey. 
For the best treatise, “ How to grow the Chrysanthemum to perfection,” 
see Molyneux’s Book, sent post free. Is. 2d. 
GARDENERS MAGAZINE. 
Chrysanthemum, Mrs. R. Filkins. —A charming new decorative variety of a bright golden 
yellow, vM'th fringed ends to the segments. This is quite a new departure, and an elegant one. 
Award of Merit. 
( 43 ) 
