PROMISE of a better display of chrysanthemums than had been seen in any previous year, opened the last season's shows. This expectation sprang from the fact that many new varieties had been put upon the market with such unstinted praise of their merits that many were induced to believe a new era was about to dawn, in which this fine flower would be seen in absolute perfection. This hope has been only partially realized, which might have been owing in some measure to the fact that last season was less favorable for the chrysanthemum than usual. At the same time it must be confessed that not a few of those well spoken of proved anything but satisfactory. Mrs. Andrew Carnegie has been fairly well tested in this neighborhood without, in a single instance, producing a good flower. In many cases the tips of the petals crumpled up before the flowers were fully expanded, and when at their best, these organs incurved so as to conceal the only attractive color in the flower. But, notwithstanding the numerous failures to grow this variety satisfactorily, it rests upon undisputed evidence that it has been seen in a high state of perfection. But from the experience gained last season it might well be doubted if ever it becomes a general favorite.

The form of the flower is good, but there are other elements of beauty than form in the makeup of a perfect flower, and in some of these it is sadly wanting. Those who have the means and the patience to wait upon this capricious individual by sedulously attending to shading her from intense sunlight, and sheltering from rain and dew, might be able to obtain flowers of considerable beauty. But this looks like waste of time, especially when there are so many varieties of rare merit which can be brought to a high state of perfection with little more than ordinary care.

Mrs. Alpheus Hardy has also disappointed many by the way she has acted. Growers were early made aware that she was constitutionally delicate, and required the utmost kindness to bring her up to the best possible conditions. But even by the strict observance of the laws of health she refused to grow with sufficient vigor to produce flowers in a remote degree like unto the fine illustrations shown in catalogues. Other varieties which created great expectations have also fallen short of the high standard they were said to reach. But it is hoped some of them will do better when good plants can be had to begin with instead of the small and soft plants, the product of a few weeks forcing. Aside from these there are quite a number recently introduced so good that no one need be at a loss to make up a collection the like of which could not have been brought together only a few years ago. Probably the chrysanthemum has nearly reached its limit in size, for there is in the vegetable economy such an adjustment of parts as to result in a well balanced whole.

We dare not hope to see a blue chrysanthemum, but it is not unreasonable to expect other combinations of colors common to the genus of greater novelty and beauty than has yet been seen.

New Haven, Ct. A. Veitch.