SUMMER'S LAST SMILE.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18368, 29 April 1925, Page 13

SUMMER'S LAST SMILE.

[Contributed.] The chrysanthemum is generally supposed to have originated in Japan, but floral historians tell us that this is not 60, as it was known in China in a more or less cultivated form hundreds of years before the Japanese imported it from there. So far as the available records go, it would appear that tho earliest reference to this popular autumn flower is to be found in the works of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius, who lived about 500 years B.C. In his work, called the Si-Ki (ninth moon), he sa3-s: "Tho chrysanthemum has its yellow glory." After centuries of cultivation in China, the chrysanthemum appears to have been introduced into Japan, the flower being known as the Kiku-mon, Kiku being the Japanese name for the flower. It has long been adopted as - the crest and official seal of tho Emperor, and is found on tho stamps and coinage of Japan. It is also the emblem of the most exalted order, a decoration that is conferred chiefly upon royalty as a mark of imperial favour. The annual chrysanthemum ,fetc held in the Imperial gardens of Tokyo is known the world over. The fete was instituted J)y Emperor Ouda about A.D. 000, and has been held with unfailing regularity ever since.

Tho art of chrysanthemum culture has long been practised in England, America, and tho Continent, and a large number of societies have been formed to stimulate and encourage the growing of chrysanthemums. During the past few years so rapid has been the strides made by British raisers, that wo may safely say wo are well ahead of any nation both in the production of new varieties and the perfection of their culture. To further the interest in chrysanthemum culture, the Canterbury Horticultural Society will hold their annual show at tho Art Gallery to-morrow and on Friday, when the latest productions of the various types of these flowers will be seen grown to their fullest .possibilities. Tho schedule also provides classes for pot plants, fruits, and vegetables, and the floral display at tho Autumn Show is always interesting, as the chrysanthemum lends itself to artistic arrangement. There will also be on exhibition quite a number of new and rare plants that arc noted for their autumn-tinted leaves and berry-bearing qualities.