332 THE FLORIST. 



The whole is under the management of Mr. Brown, whose name is 

 frequently mentioned as a successful competitor at the Salisbury and 

 other flower shows, and who for very many years has superintended 

 this beautiful place. 



0. P. 



THE DAHLIAS OP 1855. 



In our number for January we gave a tabular list of the new Dahlias 

 then about to be sent out. The list was supplied by eight gentlemen, 

 amateur growers of the Dahlia, and certainly comprised the best flowers, 

 but by no means placed in the order of merit we should assign to 

 them, after the experience of another season. Twenty varieties were 

 enumerated, at the head of which stood Bessie. This variety has been 

 rather uncertain, yet when in good condition is still the best, being a 

 beautiful model. 



If we were to collect the opinions of the leading growers Lollipop 

 would most certainly head the list, its freeness and constancy having 

 pleased every one. 



Constancy has so much to do with making a Dahlia a favourite, that 

 it will in a great measure account for the changes that have taken 

 place in the position some of the new varieties now hold compared with 

 last year. Perfection, hke Bessie, has retrograded ; fiine as it is when 

 caught, it has been late, and a little undersized, with a want of depth ; 

 it should be planted early, and grown strong. Eclipse has been very 

 fine ; so also has Grand Sultan. The latter we have placed seventh on 

 the hst, yet it was by far the best and most perfect Dahlia in the entire 

 exhibition at the Crystal Palace. Lord Palmerston is a noble flower, 

 a premier amongst the Dahlias, coming fine from first to last ; there is 

 no Dahlia equal to it in habit, flower large, with strong upright foot- 

 stalks, and it will become as great a favourite for decorative purposes 

 as it is for exhibition. The Duchess of Wellington has not generally 

 been well managed ; we do not, however, know any flower that has a 

 greater number of petals, and it is exquisite when in fine character. 

 Colonel Windham is one of those constant varieties from which blooms 

 may always be depended upon, and is of a very pleasing colour, and 



