Chrysanthemums are so popular that a few remarks respecting them may not be out of place. The late Philadelphia show, at Horticultural Hall, is conceded by all to have been the largest and best ever held in the United States. Even New Yorkers concede the palm to Philadelphia. These plants have been extensively cultivated the last five years, and every season brings better plants. It is not necessary to relate here the successful exhibitors and premiums awarded, as that is already known through the daily papers, which took a great interest in the show, and deserve the thanks of the Horticultural Society, for seconding the popular interest in the matter from day to day.

I am glad to hear the show has been also a great success financially. I think Chrysanthemums are come to stay for some years. They have been in cultivation lor two hundred years in the old country, and they may continue here for a long time, as everybody is getting interested in them. Shows are starting up in different parts of the country, and I believe in course of time every place of any importance will have its Chrysanthemum show.

I believe the premiums awarded gave good satisfaction. It is a difficult matter for judges to decide on the best plants and equally the best flowers among so many. I never saw such gigantic plants grown as some of them were, especially on single stems. It seems the single stem method of culture is very satisfactory. In the cut flower department some extra large and superior blooms were shown, and some new introductions from last season, of which I here make note: Bicolor, Mr. J. Thorpe, Tubiflora, Robert Bottomly, Lady St. Clair, Lord Wolseley, S. Lion, Mabel Ward, Soliel de Levant,.Mrs. F. Thompson. The competition this year was very keen. Everybody did his level best to beat his neighbor. One exhibitor says he will have them six feet through next year. In looking over the schedule of premiums offered for these plants, I notice only 167 for gardeners, in what is termed the Amateurs' List. I think this ought to be called the Gentleman's Gardeners' List, as a professional Gardener is no Amateur. As the show has been such a success, I think there ought to be a few more sections in the schedule next year, and more premiums in money for Gardeners, who contribute the biggest share to the show.

In looking over the premium list for Florists, I find $565 offered, - a large sum compared with Gardeners'.

In regard to the culture of the Chrysanthemum, some advocate starting the cuttings in November, others in February or March. I believe in the former as the best time, and with good management they will make larger plants than if the cuttings are started at the latter period. There are different methods of culture, - some plant them out in the open ground in May, and lift them in September. Others grow them on continuously in pots. I am told some of the largest plants on exhibition were pot grown, and were exhibited in 14-inch pots. They will, perhaps, have them in tubs next year. This plant is evidently a very gross feeder, and will stand any amount of stimulants previously to showing buds. After that, watering once a week with cow manure water will be ample. Mr. John Thorpe, of Hallack, Son & Thorpe, advocates in their catalogues watering six or seven times a day during the summer months. I beg to differ with him there. I never watered them or any other plant above twice a day, which I consider quite necessary. I do not believe in giving a plant water when it is not dry.

Probably Mr. Thorpe is like the proverbial minister, who was charged with •doing something unbecoming a minister, and who replied, "Don't do as I do, but do as I say".

In preparing plants for exhibition, they require a good deal of time and attention, - more so than some Gardeners can give them, who have so much other work to do. I noticed some plants with a stake to every flower - in fact, a pot full of sticks. I think they look quite as well grown in a more natural manner, about three or four stakes round each plant, - but it is necessary to have them to perfection both in foliage and flowers, else stay at home in future.

[The suggestion in regard to the Amateur Class is a very good one. In all well ordered institutions, it is customary to separate those who keep Gardeners to look after fruit, vegetables and flowers, from those who grow their articles wholly by their own hands. The reasons for this are obvious. The smaller amateurs, who keep no gardeners, have seldom the chance to compete with the others, and yet they are a class of flower-lovers all desire to encourage. - Ed. G. M].