no Bulletin 128. 



whitened leaf-edges of many ornamental shrubs. It has appeared 

 more than once in the history of the dahlia, and seems to be 

 unstable and difficult to preserve. It is worth trying to keep, for 

 at the least, it is attractive, and very agreeable for a change. The 

 foliage of dahlias is undeniably monotonous, and a garden needs 

 these lively touches now and then, not only to set off the genuine 

 beauty of the more delicate forms, but also to lighten the general 

 effect of the whole mass. 



Coming now to the flowers, the old ball type is a capital form 

 in itself, just the thing to display strong single colors, dazzling 

 scarlet, vivid reds, big soft snowballs of white — a cool and pleasant 

 handful — masterful yellows, rich golden yellow and truly regal 

 purples. The form itself I have no quarrel with except that the 

 rays are often too short and stiff" and artificially folded. But I do 

 protest against having onlj^ one ideal of beauty, just as we are ad- 

 vised to beware of the man of one book. A bed of old fashioned 

 dahlias insolently interruptingthe quiet restfulness of a green-sward 

 with its loud, clashing colors, ought to be an audible protest against 

 the man with one idea of beauty. Mere size alone in flowers is 

 always vulgar. It is no wonder that the big dahlias are never 

 seen in the windows of the New York florists. At the corner 

 flower stands these huge things begin the day as big and hard as 

 mallets. By night they have subsided into a soggy mournfulness. 

 Women could no more wear them than a purple cabbage. 



The show varieties indeed are chiefly designed for the exhi- 

 bition-hall where great size is particularly admired ; this is 

 especially true of Europe, where dahlia-shows are still in high 

 favor. It is impossible not to like some of these, but the garden 

 is the place where they can be enjoyed most. They are a glori- 

 ous sight in the sunlight, but they are inclined to- look artificial 

 indoors, and their colors are often changed or extinguished when 

 brought into the house. 



The pompons, however, are suitable for cut flowers, and their 

 artificiality is attractive, quaint, or comical. They are like richly 

 dressed children ; their faces are very clean, and bright, and their 

 tailor-made clothes are prim and neat or quaint and odd. Their 

 formality is often pretty and amusing, as of those that imitate their 

 elders. Little Arthur, Little Bessie, Little Bobby, Little Charlie^ 



