STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 95 



on account of there being no true petals, and the sepals or bracts 

 developing into petals. While there has not been a true blue 

 variety produced as yet, many believe it is only a question of 

 a little time, for there are already several purples containing 

 blue shades. It is ease of culture, combined with its varied 

 habits and adaptability to conditions, that makes the plant so 

 valued and popular. 



As a cut-flower the Dahlia is unsurpassed owing to its great 

 diversity of form and its brilliant coloring. They vary in size 

 from the smallest Pompons, measuring about one inch and a 

 half in diameter, to the largest of the Decoratives, measuring 

 six to eight inches — sometimes measuring even more. Dahlias 

 can be grown to perfection in any and every garden, with but 

 little care and expense, if attention is given to their simple 

 requirements. No matter how many other plants may fail to 

 thrive, or whether the season be wet or dry, you can grow them 

 successfully if you but try. If you admire beautiful flowers 

 and want them in profusion from July till frost, plant Dahlias 

 and you will be delighted. 



HOME INDUSTRIES FOR FARMERS' DAUGHTERS. 

 Mrs. V. P. DeCoster, Buckfield. 



I. FLORICULTURE. 



Since it is no longer necessary for the farmer's daughter to 

 go to the city, or become a country school teacher, in order to 

 become self-supporting, we will consider a few of the many 

 ways now open to them, by which they can acquire a good 

 income and still remain upon the farm. 



As the country is coming in closer touch with the city through 

 telephone, rural delivery and electrics it makes it possible to 

 carry on many kinds of business which formerly could only be 

 done near a market. Greenhouses are now quite frequently 

 found at some distance from cities, as they can take orders by 

 telephone. 



Women seem especially adapted to this kind of work, even 

 though there is much hard labor connected with it. We have 

 one lady in this society who owns a greenhouse in one of our 



