DAHLIA. 389 



and fully expanded. They are unfit for the small 

 parterre from the height and size which they 

 generally acquire, and they have the best appear- 

 ance when planted on lawns forming clumps dis- 

 tinct from any other plant. These clumps may 

 consist of from five to twenty plants each, accord- 

 ing to the size of the grounds, and when the roots 

 are taken up, the spot may be re-turfed or filled 

 with early flowering bulbs. 



The Dahlia is better calculated to ornament 

 large grounds than to embellish small gardens, 

 since its bold and brilliant corollas befit 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 colours 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 ali- 

 ment by the Mexicans, but they are not yet be- 

 come agreeable to European palates. 



The name of Dahlia was bestowed on this 

 plant in honour of Andrew Dahl, a Swedish bo- 

 tanist. 



Only two species of these plants are yet known 

 to us, and doubts are entertained whether these 

 may be considered sufficiently distinct to be so 



