38$ FLORA inSTORICA. 



table mould and white sand, as a dry soil suits 

 these plants better than a retentive or wet earth. 



The full grown roots of Dahlias should be 

 planted early in April, on the spots where they 

 are to flower, and when the season is cold or 

 frosty, a Kttle litter or an empty flower-pot should 

 be placed over the roots. To procure an early 

 flowering of these plants, they should be planted 

 in large pots, and kept in frames or a green-house 

 until May, when they may be turned out into 

 the quarters of the garden. The roots of the 

 Dahlia should be taken out of the ground when 

 the frost has affected the foliage and branches, 

 and they are best preserved by placing them in 

 casks or boxes, and then covering them with sand, 

 so that they may not become so dry as to injure 

 the vegetating principle, but they must by no 

 means be kept moist ; these boxes or casks may 

 be placed in any out-house or building that will 

 protect them securely from frost. 



When the roots are not taken out of the earth, 

 the stalks should be cut off* when the frost has 

 Tendered them unsightly, and a quantity of litter 

 placed over them for protection. 



The Dahlias most admired are those which 

 throw out their branches like a shrub, and are 

 prolific of flowers having short peduncles; the 

 blossoms should be clear and distinct in colour 



