ilver-sand. It should be pressed firmly, watered with a fine rose,
and allowed to drain for an hour. The cuttings should then be dibbled
into the boxes in rows, just clear, the soil being gently pressed
around each. Short stout shoots which arise directly from the
rootstock make the best cuttings. In their absence cuttings from the
stems are used. The ideal length for a cutting is about 21/2 in. Cut the
stem squarely with a sharp knife just below a joint, and remove the
lower leaves. Insert as soon as possible and water with a fine rose to
settle the soil around them. The soil is not allowed to become dry.
The cuttings should be looked over daily, decayed leaves removed, and
surplus moisture, condensed on the glass, wiped away. Ventilate
gradually as rooting takes place, and, when well rooted, transfer
singly into pots about 3 in. in diameter, using as compost a mixture
of two parts loam, one part leaf-mould, half a part coarse
silver-sand, and a gallon of vegetable ash to every bushel of the
compost. Return to the frames and keep close for a few days to allow
the little plants to recover from the check occasioned by the potting.
Ventilation should be gradually increased until the plants are able to
bear full exposure during favourable weather, without showing signs of
distress by flagging. They should be carefully protected at all times
from cold cutting winds. In April, should the weather be favourable,
the plants may be transferred to the borders, especially should the
positions happen to be sheltered. If this is not practicable, another
shift will be necessary, this time into pots about 5 in. in diameter.
The soil should be similar to that advised for the previous potting,
enriched with half a part of horse manure that has been thoroughly
sweetened by exposure. Plant out during May. All borders intended for
chrysanthemums should be well dug and manured. The strong growing
kinds should be planted about 3 ft. apart, the smaller kinds being
allowed a little less room.

In the summer, water in dry weather, syringe in the evenings whenever
practicable, and keep the borders free from weeds by surface hoeings;
stake and tie the plants as required, and pinch out the tips of the
shoots until they have become sufficiently bushy by frequent
branching. Pinching should not be practised later than the end of
June.

_Pot Plants for Decoration._--A list of a f