I have to thank "Teetotaller" for his criticism of my "Hints" on the Chrysanthemum in May 1870. At first sight I feared that I had committed some great blunder, deserving the censure of the numerous class for which said "Hints" are written. Of course they are not for exhibitors, or those whose aim is sensational culture, whom I would rather prefer to be my preceptors. We choose subjects (for brief cultural details) which are met with more or less in the gardens of those who have to manage their own gardening with the help of a "man-of-all-work," etc. Therefore language and instructions are given in their most simple form; so that any who can read English may not be at a loss - the Chrysanthemum being one of the most easily and generally cultivated plants we have (and it is often on our list). We think what is successful with ourselves (using as little labour and expense as possible) should be the same with amateurs, at least those who have little or no glass, and not much experience. "Why we say, in May "Plunge the pots to keep the roots from being scorched by sun," we consider is answered by "Teetotaller" (see page 37 of January 1871), who says, "The grower of this plant need have no fear of his stock getting their roots burned if he keeps them well supplied with water".

During the past season, both in England and Scotland, there has been a severe drought, and three-fourths of the gardens in the country have suffered from scarcity of water; and where roots of plants, out of doors especially, have been plunged, much water and labour must have been saved. Surely under these circumstances it is right to recommend what gives least labour or attention. But we will go further, and recommend not only to plunge Chrysanthemum pots, but everything that is exposed to either frost, sun, or air; and to keep the roots of the most hardy plants right in frosty weather, they should not be exposed above ground.

In the terrible winter of 1855, we remember a good collection of Chrysanthemums living through the severe weather with the pots plunged in coal-ashes, and some of same material thrown over their crowns. This was in the lower part of Wilts, where the thermometer was frequently under zero. With Camelias, Heaths, Acacias, Epacris, Cytisus, and many other things for autumn and winter flowering, we plunge their pots, and place the plants full in the sun, using a slight shade for Camelias only. The result from this practice is all we could wish. Hyemalis and Autumnalis Heaths which were plunged have been in flower since October, and have done excellent service for cutting - their shoots being from 15 to 20 inches high. Many plants are often placed in the shade to keep them healthy, because exposing their pots and foliage to sun at the same time would finish them, though their natural quarters may be on the face of hills and moist rocks. Keep the roots of any kind of plants from scorching, and they will stand a good deal of sun.

If we are "far from right" regarding the Chrysanthemum, we are in good company - as that champion grower, Mr Hignett (who, I believe, has grown some of the finest specimens the world ever saw), plunges his pots almost from the beginning. But not to waste space, we would refer to Mr Hignett's remarks in the 'Gardener,' October and November 1867, also January and February 1868. At page 72 he says "cuttings or suckers struck in February;" and further on he writes - "about the middle of May they should be shifted into their blooming-pots, and placed in the open air in a southern aspect, plunged in soil or coal-ashes".

We might say much on the simplicity of Chrysanthemum culture (but time and space do not allow) from notes taken from the eastern, southern, and western counties in England, also Ireland and Scotland too, which would show how that useful flower might be easily managed and had in good condition by every cottager, as any plant which stands the London smoke so well as the Chrysanthemum may be turned to good account by the greatest novice. At one time when we took an active part in laying out some of the London squares, Chrysanthemums were used in quantity, and were purchased from some of the leading growers in tufts, and planted in the ordinary soil - and they made a fine display under the most unfavourable circumstances. A grower for Covent Garden (with whom we were employed) grew Chrysanthemums by the thousand. Most of them were propagated late in May or early in June. They were never under glass, and kept plunged in tan all through the summer, fully exposed to the sun, and in autumn they were fine plants loaded with flowers such as would delight any amateur. We think that the Chrysanthemum is as successfully cultivated in Scotland as England, except near some of the larger English towns, where exhibitions give encouragement to grow fine specimens.

There is little done in Scotland to encourage its cultivation by public exhibitions; and for private use it is not appreciated for room-decorations either as plants in flower or as cut flowers - the scent being so objectionable. We like the Chrysanthemum so much that we cultivate yearly from four to five dozen in pots with very little trouble; and they carry from 200 to 350 flowers each. Attention to "Teetotaller's " or Mr Hignett's instructions, and one season's practice with proper means at command, would enable any one to grow specimens equal to the best seen around London.

M. T.