2i8 Wisconsin State Horticultural Society. 



nal names. We have found dark colored varieties more hardy than 

 light ones, and better bloomers than the variegated kinds. The best 

 dark dahlias are "High Sheriff" and "Negro Boy." There are 

 several other dark colors so nearly alike that it makes but little dif- 

 ference which is selected — a crimson, maroon, purple, and a scarlet, 

 with two or three mottled or variegated, and a rare color — laven- 

 der — yellow and pure white, will make a charming contrast. Some 

 varieties will always become favorites with any grower. The best 

 mottled dahlia we have ever seen is " La Siserre," petals striped 

 with very dark maroon, shaded to nearly white, very showy and 

 much admired by all who see it, but will not bloom well unless 

 severely pruned. Another choice one is the " Goldfinder," a clear 

 yellow of perfect form, very fine quilled, and an abundant bloomer. 

 One of the finest of light ones is the " Princess of Wales," a light 

 blush, slightly tipped with lilac, large flowers; good for decora- 

 tions. The " White Aster " is the best white dahlia we have ever 

 grown, and the most profuse bloomer we have ever seen. This is a 

 Pompon or bouquet dahlia, but will grow four or five feet high; 

 flowers small, fimbriated, very lovely in bouquets, or wherever 

 white flowers are wanted. " Little Model " is also fine among 

 cut flowers, rosy crimson, closely cupped. 



New varieties are grown from seed, but choice seedlings are so 

 rare it is not wise to devote much time to their culture, where time 

 is limited. Early blossoms will usually mature seed, which should 

 be planted the following spring in the hot bed or seed bed, and 

 afterward transplanted. In this manner we have grown seedlings, 

 but never obtained but one desirable variety. 



This magnificent flower has been very appropriately called the 

 Queen of Autumn flowers. Its stately growth, abundant foliage 

 and splendid flowers, entitle it to a place in every garden where 

 there is space for its growth. It does not pass its prime in early 

 autumn, like many others, but its blossoms constantly increase in 

 beauty until the sad morning when you find them ruined by an un- 

 timely frost. There are sweeter flowers than this majestic one; 

 flowers that we love better, but no flower do we know that will 

 bloom so long, and so profusely, and add so much beauty to the 

 house and to the lawn, as this fine old autumn bloomer. We have 

 found it admirably adapted to the farmer's garden, where there is 

 always ample room, plenty of fertilisers, all the implements neces- 



