244 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



expanded. Treated this way, they are unequalled for forming edgings 

 to hyacinths and tulip beds. It will not do to push them on in a 

 high temperature, or keep them in a close atmosphere ; or, as soon 

 as they are taken out of doors, the foliage will be blown about, and 

 the flower-spikes will probably be injured past recovery. 



The following selection comprises the best and most distinct sorts 

 at present in cultivation, but there are a few others well worth 

 growing where room can be found for them : — 



Laehenalia tricolor. — Leaves and flower-stems beautifully spotted ; 

 the latter average in well-grown specimens about eight or nine inches 

 in height, with between twelve and eighteen flowers on each spike ; 

 the colours are bright red, yellow, and green, which undergo several 

 changes as the flowers advance in age. 



L. aurea. — A remarkably fine kind, with large bright yellow 

 flowers. 



L. pallida. — A rather strong grower, with flower-spikes about a 

 foot in height ; the flowers are large in size, and of a pale blush 

 colour ; wonderfully good. 



L. htieola. — Like the preceding, a strong grower, with beau- 

 tifully spotted leaves and flower-stems ; the latter grow about nine 

 inches in height, bearing fine large flowers of a pale yellow colour. 



L. pendvJa. — The flower-stems of this beautiful kind grow to a 

 height of about twelve inches, which, with the foliage, are beautifully 

 spotted ; a free grower, with fine large flowers, which are bright red, 

 3 7 ellow, and green in colour. 



DAHLIAS.— No. IV. 



BY JOHN WALSH. 

 PREPARING THE BLOOMS FOR EXHIBITION. 



fiE have now arrived at a critical stage in the growth of 

 the Dahlia, and the success or otherwise which will 

 attend the cultivator's efforts will depend upon the 

 manner in which the blooms are prepared for the 

 exhibition table. One of the greatest enemies the 

 cultivator has to contend with, is the earwigs, for they abound every- 

 where, and unless they are kept under by trapping they will do an 

 immense amount of mischief; even if they are reduced in number 

 to the lowest possible minimum, the blooms must be carefully pro- 

 tected, for one insect is quite sufficient to disfigure and render unfit 

 for exhibition a very large number of blooms. Several devices 

 within the last twenty years have been introduced for the purpose 

 of trapping earwigs ; but it is a questionable matter whether the 

 trap of flower-pot and moss has been surpassed. At all events, 

 nearly all the "leading growers for exhibition use no other trap, and 

 by its aid keep this troublesome pest in subjection. The usual plan 

 for preparing the traps is to fill flower-pots, five inches in diameter, 



