114 



Bulletin 128. 



^^1^: 



4' 



tin in which to tell the fun of gardening. It cannot be enjoyed 

 by proxy. I enjoy especially those gardens that have one theme, 

 one central feature, no matter what are the modifications. A 

 collection of roses, of sweet peas, of China asters, or of anything, 

 has a certain unity, which, however, need not exclude minor 

 features and miscellaneous favorites. Dahlias are the hobby of 



the Rev. C W. Bolton, of Pel- 

 ham, near New York City. 

 His house is a picture by 

 itself and one would never 

 suspect what treasures are in 

 his back-yard. Mr. Bolton is 

 an early ri.ser, and takes rest 

 and solid comfort in his gar- 

 den. He has the pompons 

 nearest to his house, for they 

 are the boys and girls and he 

 catches them plaj'ing games. 

 There are cool grass walks be- 

 tween the double rows of big 

 dahlias. Mr. Bolton is rich in 

 dahlias and he has been their 

 friend in need. Many a beau- 

 tiful dahlia has he saved from 

 oblivion. He loves color, and 

 this is a beautiful and eas}' 

 way to get it. It is a cheap way of painting. No one can 

 expect to raise such beautiful, large-flowering dahlias, unless he 

 takes trouble, and no one is entitled to success who does not like 

 to nurse plants and watch the flowers daily. Mr. Bolton's gar- 

 den has been a good and cheap doctor. The pompons snuggle 

 up against the gray walls of the church and make a warm and 

 cheery picture. 



Dahlias should be in a place by themselves. Possibly a dahlia 

 can be used now and then "as an exclamation point," a flash 

 of color to lighten up other foliage near a house or wherever a 

 cheerful look is desired. The herbaceous border is no place for 

 dahlias. Indeed the big ball type of flowers is rarely furnished 



29. — Rev. C IV. Bolton, who comieds 

 the old-time dahlia furore with the 

 reticrning passion. 



