DECEMBER. 369 



very fine flower, but rarely to be had in first-rate condition. It is a 

 good deal after the fashion of — and at times far superior to — Mr. 

 Seldon ; but while we can always depend upon a bloom of the old 

 variety, but slight reliance can be placed upon the new. Queen Vic- 

 toria has been exhibited on one occasion only, when it created quite a 

 sensation. Shall we be going too far if we venture to predict that, as a 

 show flower, we have " looked our last " on this variety. Robert Bruce 

 has been shown on most occasions, still it is anything but a good flower. 

 It may retain its place for the present, being one of that class which — 

 never first-rate — is always to be found in tolerable condition. Sir John 

 Franklin is a very variable kind, depending much on soil and cultiva- 

 tion. Under good management it comes out magnificently ; but as 

 produced by the majority of growers it presents but a meagre appear- 

 ance. To do this flower justice, several plants should be grown, and 

 but very few buds left on each ; moreover the operation of disbudding 

 should he commenced as soon as the buds are developed ; if a number 

 of them be allowed to attain a considerable size, their free removal at 

 that period will do little towards the production of large blooms. 

 Transcendant has not been good enough to appear in public. Its 

 centre is irretrievably bad, and it may be consigned to the border or 

 manure heap without the shghtest compunction. 



A few words respecting the fancy Dahlias. The varieties sent out 

 in 1853 were not numerous. Attraction has been now and then 

 exhibited ; a second-class flower as regards form, but very brilliant and 

 striking. Claudia is too coarse for the show-board, from which it must 

 soon be banished. Duchess of Kent, whether self or parti-coloured, 

 is one of the best Dahlias in cultivation, and well maintains its position. 

 Jonas is become an established favourite. Heine des Fleurs is another 

 very beautiful variety, and likely to be much in request ; want of con- 

 stancy is its prominent failing. Unanimity, if not much in advance of 

 its class, is likely to come in well occasionally. Wonderful is a well- 

 shaped flower, of remarkable depth ; perfect blooms, however, are not 

 to be had on all occasions ; it is one of the most fitful of this very 

 uncertain tribe. 



Of the older fancies there is little to be said. Year afl:er year the 

 least perfect of them recede — by twos and threes — from our view, and 

 are replaced by newer sorts ; but novelty soon passes away ; they must 

 then be tried by other tests, and stand or fall by their intrinsic merits. 

 There is a steady advance in this class, and every year adds to our 

 stock of really good varieties. Our continental friends have contributed 

 not a little to this improvement. No surer evidence of progression can 

 be given than the fact that fancy Dahlias are more ephemeral than 

 selfs. Empereur de Maroc is the oldest member of this family now 

 cultivated by exhibitors. We still retain some excellent varieties in 

 the other section, of far remoter date. A. S. H. 



[We are much obliged to our valued correspondent for this article, 

 although, on a future occasion, we shall have the pleasure of appearing 

 as counsel for the defendants in this action, feeling, as we do, that some 

 of the varieties deserve a little higher praise than "A. S. H." has 

 awarded them. Ed.] 



XLW SERIES, VOL IV. NO. XI.VIII. B B 



