FLORA AND THALIA. 51 



situation, and moistened with liquid manure, others 

 a moist one, with a great deal of water. 



Mr. Knight, of Hammersmith, has favoured us 

 with his method of propagating it : during the sum- 

 mer, he ascertains the different varieties, which he 

 keeps packed dry in sand, generally on the sides ; 

 ahout the middle of January he removes them to 

 a gentle heat, to forward their shoots, and when 

 advanced to five •or six inches in height, takes his 

 cuttings, which he places in warm situations; by 

 which plan he informs us he does not lose one in 

 fifty, whereas were the cuttings taken in the summer 

 or autumn, not one in fifty would take root : he ob- 

 serves that great care must be taken to keep the 

 plant perfectly dry when taken out of the ground, 

 as the least moisture will at that time cause the 

 roots to rot. 



The Dahlia blossoms in July, and continues in 

 bloom and beauty till late in the autumn ; and 

 when the weather has been mild, we have seen them 

 boasting their autumnal splendour in December. It 

 is said that the roots are good to eat, and in some 

 degree resemble the Jerusalem artichoke; but we 

 doubt its ever having been cultivated in our gardens 

 except for its beauty. 



Class, SzjfGEjrEsiA. Order, Polxgtnia. 



