580 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
December  19, 1895. 
Mrs.  E.  Coward. — This  is  salmon  pink  in  colour  shading  to  yellow 
towards  the  disc,  A  really  good  variety,  resembling  White  Perfection 
in  formation. 
May  Blossom. — Crimson  maroon  in  tint.  This  variety  has  a  strong 
scent  of  May  blossom. 
The  following  were  raised  by  Mr.  J.  Agate,  Havant,  and  staged  by 
him  at  the  Winchester  autumn  show.  So  meritorious  were  they  that 
the  j  edges  awarded  him  a  certificate  of  merit. 
J.  Arter. — This  is  exceptionally  large,  brick  red  in  colour  ;  one  row 
of  florets. 
Harold  Stallard. — This  is  best  described  as  a  crimson  coloured 
Admiral  Sir  T.  Symonds. 
Miss  Josephine  Stallard. — This  has  narrow  florets  of  a  pleasing 
shade  of  claret.  An  extra  large  flowered  variety. 
T.  SUTER. — Much  resembling  Jane  in  the  size  and  formation  of  its 
florets  which  are  of  a  charming  blush  tint. 
Mrs.  Vose. — This,  too,  has  but  one  row  of  florets  which  curl  lightly 
at  the  tips.  Soft  pink  in  colour  ;  a  fairly  large  flowered  variety. 
George  Eose. — This  is  of  medium  size,  florets  crimson  with  a  yellow 
disc. 
Miss  Gertrude  Parker. — This  is  a  yellow  splashed  with  bronze, 
especially  pleasing. 
Mr.  Harwood. — This  developes  blooms  equal  in  size  to  Admiral 
Sir  T.  Symonds  of  a  blush  tint  of  colouring. 
Ethel  Suter. — This  is  yellow  and  bronze,  with  pointed  petals. — 
B.  Molyneux. 
Chrysanthemum  Groups. 
The  “  Staff  Officer,”  whose  “  dispatch  ”  to  the  Journal  headquarter^ 
appeared  in  the  last  issue,  apparently  wrote  from  the  “  seat  of  war,’’ 
and  let  us  hope  that  the  gallant  commander  is  bivouacing  on  the  field 
of  recent  victory.  This  “  tale  of  the  war”  bore  traces  of  the  veteran’s 
pen,  and  contained  many  useful  suggestions.  The  old  soldier  concluded 
by  telling  us  that  twenty-five  years  have  elapsed  since  he  saw  his  first 
campaign,  then  a  young  recruit,  at  Woolwich  (not  the  Arsenal).  A 
Napoleon  was  there  too  ;  if  only  he  could  have  counted  a  Wellington 
and  Blucher  among  the  visitors  it  would  have  sounded  like  a  second 
Waterloo.  However,  we  salute  you,  Mr.  Staff  Officer, and  agree  with  you 
that  once  again  the  fight  is  practically  over,  and  the  campaign  of  1895 
will  soon  be  looked  on  and  spoken  of  among  the  deeds  of  the  past.  The 
fortunate  among  the  many  champions  of  the  Autumn  Queen  may  now 
find  breathing  time  to  rest  on  their  laurels,  and  cast  a  surveying  glance 
over  the  scenes  of  their  encounters,  be  they  few  or  many.  But  while 
there  are  winners  there  must  also  of  necessity  be  losers  who  have  the 
same  opportunity  for  retrospection,  and  amongst  them  there  are  doubt¬ 
less  those  who  feel  ready  to  throw  up  the  sponge  and  leave  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  showing  to  those  who  have  either  better  facilities 
or  greater  adaptability  for  prizewinning,  and  also  others  who  are 
undaunted  under  defeat,  and  having  had  eyes  and  ears  open  are  better 
prepared  for  the  campaign  of  next  season,  as  they  have  learnt  something 
by  observation  from  those  who  may  have  occupied  the  position  which 
they  coveted  and  strived  for. 
The  present,  or  rather  as  it  may  now  be  termed  the  past  season, 
whilst  being  in  many  ways  but  a  fac-simile  of  its  predecessors,  has  also 
been  unique  by  pointing  more  unmistakeably  than  ever  to  the  increased 
popularity  of  the  Chrysanthemum.  If  anyone  doubts  the  veracity 
of  this  I  would  advise  them  to  con  the  pages  of  a  recent  issue 
of  the  Journal  to  find  an  article  headed  “  Chrysanthemums  to  the 
Rescue,”  and  as  Captain  Cattle  would  say,  “  When  found  make  a  note 
of,”  for  there  is  a  record  of  the  Chrysanthemum  not  only  coming  to  the 
rescue  but  saving  from  what  looked  suspiciously  like  the  sheer  ruin  of 
a  Rose  society — yea,  and  a  society  too  with  a  Rose  enthusiast  like  Mr. 
H.  V.  Machin  at  its  head.  This  single  instance  is  to  my  mind  con¬ 
clusive  evidence  of  the  Chrysanthemum’s  popularity,  and  yet  another 
is  the  largely  increasing  number  of  shows  that  are  annually  held  in 
various  parts  of  the  country. 
Speaking  of  shows  reminds  me  that  I  may  have  wandered  somewhat 
from  the  subject  of  my  remarks  ;  so  to  return.  To  one  who  in  the  past 
campaign  has  had  occasion  for  visiting  numerous  exhibitions  many 
thoughts  are  suggested,  and  amongst  them  the  lack  of  effectiveness,  the 
great  similarity,  and  stiffness  of  outline  that  still  generally  exists 
amongst  groups  of  Chrysanthemums.  True,  we  have  some  bright 
exceptions,  which  prove  forcibly  the  want  of  more  wide-spread 
improvement,  such  as  at  Brighton,  Hull,  and  a  few  others  where  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  arranged  with  foliage  plants  for  effect  are  really  effective. 
It  is  at  smaller  shows  however,  such  as  those  held  under  the  auspices 
of  provincial  and  metropolitan  suburban  societies,  that  the  need  of 
improvement  in  this  direction  is  more  apparent,  as  with  few  exceptions 
the  same  old  stereotyped  plan  of  setting  up  groups  is  still  in  practice. 
True,  there  has  been  some  improvement,  as  in  most  cases  a  single  row 
of  foliage  plants  is  admissible  to  hide  the  conspicuous  bareness  of  the 
pots.  Even  this  is  a  step  in  the  right  direction,  but  does  not  fulfil  the 
conditions  of  the  schedule,  which  usually  runs  ”  to  be  arranged  for 
effect,”  whereas  any  appreciable  degree  of  effectiveness  is  often  con¬ 
spicuous  by  its  absence.  A  description  of  the  average  group  of  to-day 
Is  needless,  as  everyone  is  acquainted  with  the  solid  wall-like  mass  of 
bloom,  stiff  and  artificial,  with  the  flowers  very  often  tied  in  position, 
that  may  be  seen  at  almost  any  Chrysanthemum  show.  By  this  mode, 
too,  the  blooms  are  massed  so  thickly  together  that  if  there  are  any  of 
special  merit  the  chances  are  that  they  pass  unnoticed. 
Could  not  this  state  of  affairs  be  altered  with  advantage  ?  Surely 
yes,  as  has  already  been  proved  in  the  instances  mentioned,  through  the 
introduction  of  graceful  foliage  plants,  which  lend  themselves  admirably 
for  the  purpose.  In  this  case,  too,  as  with  miscellaneous  plants,  the 
decorative  taste  of  the  exhibitor  would  have  to  be  brought  into  play, 
whereas  under  present  conditions  it  is  hardly  necessary  except  in  the 
judicious  blending  of  the  colours.  Then,  again,  what  a  pleasant  break 
would  thus  be  formed  from  the  long  rows  of  cut  blooms  which  adorn  the 
tables ;  they  are  sufficient  for  exhibiting  the  individual  merits  of  the 
flowers,  while  arrangements  of  the  kind  suggested  would  be  a  means 
of  initiating  those  unacquainted  with  the  decorative  value  of  the  Chrys¬ 
anthemum. 
A  few  weeks  ago  I  had  occasion  to  visit  a  show  where  a  20-gHinea 
challenge  cup  was  offered,  together  with  a  substantial  money  prize 
for  a  group  of  plants  occupying  an  areal  space  of  35  square  feet.  Close 
by  was  a  class  in  which  a  much  smaller  sum  was  offered  in  prize  money, 
and  composed  of  a  limited  number  of  blooms  on  long  stalks  arranged 
with  decorative  plants  and  foliage  intermixed.  Though  naturally  the 
former  was  the  more  conspicuous,  the  latter  received  a  larger  amount 
of  admiration  from  the  visitors,  and  were  indeed  the  most  interesting 
in  the  show.  I  ventured  to  suggest  to  one  of  the  officials  that  foliage 
plants  might  with  advantage  be  used  in  the  groups  for  the  premier  prize. 
“  Yes,”  he  replied  ‘‘ something  of  the  kind  was  placed  before  the  Com¬ 
mittee,  but  received  so  much  opposition  that  it  was  immediately 
dropped.”  Is  this  conservatism,  or  why  are  committees  so  loth  to 
depart  from  the  beaten  track  and  entertain  new  ideas,  which  would  not 
only  add  to  the  interest  of  the  visitors,  but  would  in  a  great  measure 
abolish  the  air  of  monotony  which  to  a  greater  or  lesser  degree 
characterises  the  majority  of  Chrysanthemum  shows? 
With  the  season  now  at  an  end  enthusiasts  and  society  officials  have 
time  to  look  round  and  note  where  improvements  might  be  made, 
having  had  another  season’s  experience  and  the  example  of  a  few  of  the 
most  enterprising  to  work  on.  In  every  phase  of  horticulture,  and 
Chrysanthemums  are  no  exception,  “Forward”  is  the  watchword  of  the 
present  age.  and  to  maintain  or,  if  possible,  increase  the  popularity  of 
the  Chrysanthemum  show,  societies  must  not  be  content  to  run  on  the 
same  lines  year  after  year  without  any  idea  of  changes,  but  rather  they 
should  be  alive  to  the  necessity  of  introducing  new  departures  likely  to 
appeal  to  the  taste  of  their  supporters.  Committees  will  do  well  to 
bear  in  mind  when  making  up  the  schedules  for  the  forthcoming  season 
that  it  is  only  by  catering  for  the  public  that  societies  such  as  those 
mentioned  have  grown  and  become  so  popular,  and  others  having  an 
ambition  to  prosper  should  follow  their  example.  What  form  these 
should  take  is,  of  course,  open  to  discussion,  but  those  already  intro¬ 
duced  by  a  few  societies  have  been  sufficiently  appreciated  to  merit  their 
continuation  and  to  prompt  others  to  follow  the  example  set,  so  that 
in  the  future  the  words  “  to  be  arranged  for  effect”  will  not  be,  as  is 
often  the  case  now,  a  mere  figure  of  speech,  but  that  taste  in  arrange¬ 
ment  will  add  a  goodly  share  towards  bringing  the  coveted  prize  card 
to  the  Chrysanthemum  group. — Wanderer. 
Small-flowered  Chrysanthemums  in  the  Open. 
With  a  view  of  testing  the  ordinary  November-flowering  varieties 
of  single.  Pompon,  and  Anemone-flowering  varieties  in  the  open  for 
giving  cut  blooms  during  the  month  of  November  I  planted  some  spare 
roots  of  the  following  varieties  at  the  end  of  May.  A  border  facing  east 
was  chosen,  the  soil  not  being  particularly  rich.  My  object  was  to 
obtain  short-jointed,  firm  growth,  knowing  well  the  more  luxuriant  it 
was  the  less  chance  of  success  would  follow. 
The  plants  were  not  pinched  at  all,  but  allowed  to  grow  with  one 
stem  until  they  made  their  first  natural  break,  when  all  additional 
shoots  were  carefully  tied  to  one  stout  stake,  and  in  spite  of  the  excep¬ 
tionally  hot  and  dry  weather  satisfactory  growth  was  made.  The 
surface  soil  was  kept  well  stirred.  The  roots  were  once  well  soaked  with 
clear  water,  stimulants  of  any  kind  being  withheld.  We  experienced 
frost  to  the  extent  of  10°  on  several  mornings  during  the  third  week  of 
October,  and  coming  at  the  time  the  buds  were  in  a  soft  state  somewhat 
marred  the  prospect  of  success.  In  spite  of  this  it  was  surprising  how 
the  plants  recovered  during  the  early  part  of  November,  and  gave  bloom 
in  a  satisfactory  condition  even  as  late  as  the  end  of  that  month,  and  if 
the  weather  remains  open  for  another  fortnight  blooms  will  be  available 
until  then. 
Seldom  do  we  experience  frost  so  severe  as  that  in  October  thus 
early  in  the  autumn  here,  and  therefore  the  attempt  to  cultivate  this 
section  of  the  Chrysanthemum  out  of  doors  is  worthy  of  extended 
attention.  Persons  with  limited  glass  accommodation  and  who  desire 
Chrysanthemums  at  this  late  date  would  do  well  to  cultivate  these 
sections.  More  satisfaction  would  result  than  is  so  often  the  case  with 
the  incurved  and  large-growing  varieties  of  Japanese,  as  the  fact  of 
their  being  large  militates  against  success.  Not  only  does  frost  injure 
the  soft  petals,  but  continued  moisture  from  rains  and  heavy  dews  rots 
the  blooms  owing  to  their  being  unable  to  become  dry  quickly.  Not  so 
with  the  small-flowering  types,  especially  the  singles.  Having  but  one 
or  two  rows  of  petals  they  retain  but  little  moisture  for  any  length  of 
time. 
The  following  varieties  I  find  the  best  of  the  few  experimented  with. 
Amongst  single- flowering  varieties  Florence,  blush  white,  most  effective 
and  free-flowering,  3  feet ;  Pattie  Penford,  4  feet,  rich  pink,  free  and 
good  ;  Mrs.  Langtry,  5  feet,  exceedingly  pretty,  free- flowering,  retaining 
its  pleasing  perfume  even  under  these  conditions,  pink  ;  Rose  Perfection, 
5  feet,  an  extremely  free-flowering  bright  pink  variety  ;  Miss  M,  Wilde, 
4  feet,  rosy  lilac,  long  drooping  florets,  most  effective  ;  and  White 
Perfection,  4  feet,  free-flowering.  Pompons — Pygmalion,  3  feet,  deep 
