MARCH. 41 



THE DAHLIA. 



But little need be said regarding the subjects of our pre- 

 sent Illustrations. The history of the Dahlia has been ftilly 

 given in our Volume for 1849, and much useful informa- 

 tion has also been adduced from time to time in reference 

 to its culture and general management. As respects the 

 blooms now represented, it will be evident to all that they 

 are a pair of first-rate flowers, and are from a well-known 

 stock ; although known, however, as Mr. Drmnmond's, they 

 were raised by a gentleman who has no wish that his name 

 should appear in connexion with them. The first good flower 

 from the same source was Beeswing, sent out in 1845, which 

 is still grown and frequently exhibited. This was followed 

 by several others, the most conspicuous of which are Duke 

 of Wellington and Sir Bobert Peel. 



Alice is a self Dahlia of a new shade,, a colour that will 

 contrast well with the dark varieties. A few years ago there 

 was a general cry for light Dahlias, or flowers with light 

 grounds, and we are equally deficient in this class at the pre- 

 sent day ; but we do not feel the want of them so much, on 

 account of the number of light selfs, and other shades which 

 we possess, and which give variety to an exhibition : we have 

 every shade from white to nearly black, with a large number 

 of what may be termed light selfs, including light peach, lilac, 

 pale bufi", &c., with primrose and yellow. In fact, a stand of 

 twenty-four varieties well contrasted could be put up, com- 

 posed wholly of flowers of entire colours. Nevertheless, we 

 shall be happy to welcome white or yellow ground varieties, 

 whenever they appear with the requisite properties. 



Sir Bichard Whittington is not so new in colour, but it 

 possesses the desirable quality of constancy, combined with 

 the most approved form. The bloom which was awarded the 

 extra prize at Thornbury as the best seedling of any age, was 

 as perfect as we remember to have seen a Dahlia, and of good 

 full size. 



Any further particulars that may be wanted respecting 

 these flowers will be supplied in our advertising pages. 



NEW SERIKS. VOL. II. NO. XV. 



