50 FLORA AND THALIA. 



DAHLIA. 



{Dahlia Georgina.') 



This splendid plant was originally found by 

 Baron Humboldt, in a sandy soil in Mexico, North 

 America. Its height varies from three to six feet. 

 The petals of the single flower are commonly eight, 

 but the number is variable, and in the double flowers 

 they are exceedingly numerous. This plant was 

 first introduced into this country in 1804, and excited 

 so much admiration from the splendour and variety 

 of its colours, that, we are told, florists could scarcely 

 satisfy the demand for them. For stateliness of 

 appearance, and richness of colouring, this flower 

 stands unrivalled ; but for fragrance it must bend 

 even to the modest Hly of the valley, or the retiring 

 violet; although Mr. Knight says, that at one par- 

 ticular period of the flower's opening it has a sUght, 

 but not a fragrant smell. The varieties are very 

 numerous, and botanists are divided as to their 

 species. This plant received its name of Dahlia, 

 from Cavanilles, who dedicated it to Andrew Dahl, 

 a Sweedish Botanist ; and that of Georgina from 

 Wildenow, who named it after Dr. Georgi of Peters- 

 burg. Florists difler much in the culture and 

 propagation of this plant, some recommending a dry 



