360 FLORA lilSTORlCA. 



of from five to twenty plants each, according to the 

 size of the grounds ; and M'hen the roots are taken 

 up, the spot may be re-turfed or filled with early- 

 flowering bulbs. 



The Dahlia is better calculated to ornament 

 laro-e grounds than to embellish small gardens, 

 since its bold and brilhant corollas fit it for the 

 former situation, whilst its great size and want of 

 perfume are objections to its admission into the 

 small garden ; and notwithstanding the vivid co- 

 lours which these flowers present, and the high 

 estimation they are now held in, we do not consider 

 it a flower that is likely to hold a long reign in the 

 realms of fashion. 



The roots of these plants are used as an aliment 

 by the Mexicans, but they are not yet become 

 agreeable to European palates. 



The name of Dahlia was bestowed on this plant 

 in honour of Andrew Dahl, a Swedish botanist. 



Only two species of these plants are yet known 

 to us, and doubts are entertained whether these 

 may be considered sufiiciently distinct to be so 

 divided, since they are separated by wavering 

 marks. The Frustranea, or Barren-rayed, appears 

 however to be a more slender plant, and has nar • 

 rower foliage and smaller flowers than the Super- 

 fiua, or Fertile-rayed Dahlia. 



In examining the florets of the latter kind of 



