CULTIVATION OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13874, 11 April 1907, Page 10

CULTIVATION OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

A lecture was Riven Inst evening; in Iho Technical School by Mr E. A. llamol.gardoner to ex-District Court Judge Ward. on"Chrysanthemums ami 'flieir Culture," Tlio chair was token by Mr S. Solomon (president- of the Horticultural Soeictv)..' who thanked those present , for turning out on' such a wet. night to initiate a course of readings which the sooioty proposed to hold during the winter months. Members of the society had long felt thai, in addition to 'tho assistance- given to horticulture by shows, etc., their lalwurs might, ho extended in a, morv prnrtwil direction. and ■ with that object they had inaugurated a course of-readimrs on different subjects for the 'winter' months. They recognised there v/as a. good deal of difficulty in the way of beginners, and many persons willing to undertake, tho pursuit' of horticulture wore frightened by these difficulties. They . would lie able to get, hints of a most valuable, character from tlio addresses to be Riven, which would load io good results. ' All tho readings would be given, by men who wero authorities on the subjects on which they would speak, and at tho conclusion; of their remarks informal discussions would fake place. . Mr Ilamol then proceeded with his address. He first, dealt with propagation, which .'lie said should bo proceeded with as oarly inthc swasori as possible— probably in Soptcnilior., The principal'thing in potting •was to pot-the plants very firmly. As to (subsequent treatrnon't, the plant should Ik) pot out and well secured to, prevent it going over. Watering must, not be done too liberally; and on the subject of feeding Mr''llaniel expressed himself as being in favour of animal foods rather than- chemical foods. Top-dressing was touched upon, ami motlwls of getting rid of mildew, rust,. and insccta wero referred to. Mr Hamel attributed mildew to ovorcrowding, and the roinedy'was obvious. Rust was produced by overfeeding, l , which should bo

avoided. For insects Mr Hamol proscribed incoticide. These clest rovers of buds, / the birds, wei'o.referred to; and in tho timing of the buds, Mr Ilatncl said they should be fixed, or sot, not'later than February. Tho plants should he housed as soon as fhq buds showed colour. In order to preserve, tho (lowers a darkened loom should be used and plenty of air admitted, and a little salt or ammonia plao«l in the water. Mr Hamcl also spoko of tlio staging of t.lio flowers, for exhibition. Tho address was listened lo with interest, and some discussion occurred at it 3 close.

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