The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1889-12-20
QUITE A ROYAL FLOWER.
THE CHRYSANTHEMUM MAKES EVERY
AUTUMN BEAUTIFUL.

1t Has Pedigree Reaching Back Through
Centuries-How the Japanese and Chi
nese Treat Their Favorite Blossom.
Some Floral Facts.
Within the~past fifty years American
and European gardeners have far ex-
ceeded the japanese and Chinese gard
eners in the improvement of this floral
queen, although the two last named
countries are its native habitats.
The name. chrysanthemum is derived
from the two Greek words chrysos, gold,
and anthos, flower, which was given to
the genus, because the species best
known to the Greeks produced flowers of
golden color.
1t is supposed that our chrysanthemum
originated in China as a cultivated va
riety from some wild species long since
lost and neglected. Travellers from the
earliest times have related how devoted
to its cultivation are this singular peo-
pie, by whom it has been held in great
esteem from almost prehistoric times.
SO far as winter flowers are concerned
flower in China is the chrysanthemum.
1t is used to adorn the humble cottage
of the peasant quite as much as the pal
ace of the mandarin. 1t is cultivated in
pots and jars placed before the windows,
and is used to decorate their tables with
at their entertainments, on which occa-
sion he who produces the largest flower
is considered as comforting the greatest
honor on his guests. Tho Chinese often
train the flowers into curious and fam
tastic shapes, such as horses, stags, pa.
godas, ships, etc.
WHAT IT IS.
The chrysanthemum, which, with its
glowing colors, relieves and brightens
the dreariness of the late autumn long
after the frosts have killed the blossoms
of tender plants, belongs to the class of
flowers known to botanists as the compo-
sitae, that is, flowers composed of very
small ones, called florets, and which, to-
gether, comprise what is known as the
disk. The outside row of florets are usu-
ally strap shaped and project laterally,
like the rays of the sun. AS in the case
of the sun, we have the suns rays and
suns disk, so we have in the chrysanthe-
mum the disc and the rays.
There are two distinct species, known
to florists as large and small howered, or
pompoms. From these, thanks to the
skill of the horticulturist, have sprung
many classes. Among them are those
which have flowers like the normal form,
and are called anemone f1owered, al
though in various colors. Another class,
again, are those which have the tubular
disk florets, changed to strap shaped, as
in the ray fiorets, or fluted or quilted, of
varying length, from short, straight,
spreading fiorets to long, dropping, twist
ed or irregularly in curved ones. These
are called Japanese A third class is
known as the in curved, and is charac-
terized by globular form and regular
outline. The tiorets are broad, smooth,
regularly arranged, and rounded at the
tips. Another class have the horets
fairly horizontal, and are known as re-
fexed.
HOW IT IS NURTURED.
No matter in what way it is grown the
plants are always in the highest state of
health, the foliage of beautiful green
and never fail to give great profusion
of bloom during the Towering season.
Its cultivation in this country somewhat
resembles that of the Chinese. Cuttings
from the young shoots are taken every
year, and when these are rooted they are
put into the pots in which they are to re-
main and flower. The compost is of the
best quality. This is allowed to dry and
is then reduced to q powder. For some
months afterwards it is mixed with
strong manure, is frequently turned over,
and after remaining sufficient time to
become fit for use is put into the pots.
The plants are watered during the period
of growth with liquid manure, the effects
of which are soon visible in the healthy
growth and bright green foliage.
The chrysanthemum, or kiku, as it is
called in Japan, is one of the crests or
badges of the imperial family, and is used
as the official seal. 1t is never repre-
sented in the form of natural flower,
but is generally delineated in a circular
form with sixteen petals issuing from
the center. Hence it would be difficult
to recognize the badge as a chrysanthe-
mum without previously knowing it was
10 be suCIl. OH JdpdleSe pot
terry, lacquerware and textiles it is often
used for the purpose of decoration. 1t
was u common practice at one time for
the makers of porcelain to introduce it
as an ornament, although this was done
in contravention of the law which pro-
hibited its use. In textile fabrics the
weaver has used it with great freedom,
and Mr.. Louis Jones, an eminent author
ity on Japanese art, has in his collection
a court robe manufactured as long ago
as the middle of the Fourteenth century,
in which this type of flower was woven.
Post.
Inspiring Theme.
The people of the Greek Islands have
4 time honored custom of lainenting the