892 



THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE OF AMERICA. 



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Aluinys ^nm^tl|tu5 ^a ^t ©I^aitUful JTor 



There's somelhing lo be thanJ(fiil for, no mailer how things go — 

 In summerliine for fruil and flowers, in winlerliir.e for snow. 

 There's somelhing sort of pleasant happening lo us everv dap. 

 And hfe's a perfect picnic if we look "f '' that wav. 



There's always sorr.ething prelty for our weary eyes to see — 

 The glory of the sunset or the blossoms on the tree. 

 And always sorrething tuneful for our tired ears to hear — 

 The children's voices chirping or the robin's mMsic clear. 



There's always something ready for our willing hands to do — 

 Some halting steps lo help along, some job to carry through — 

 No chance to be kicking when our feet are busy going. 

 No lime for idle growling when we're planting seed and sowing. 



There's som.ething lo be thankful for, no matter how things go — 



No end to all our blessings if we only count them so. 



And even if you're out of sorts, or sick, o^ ^fl<^. '"' poor. 



Just thank the Lord you're living if you can't do nothing more. 



■ — Selected. 



It is proposed to make similar studies as to the adaptability 

 of all classes of roses suitable to the climate of central New 

 York. Particular attention will be given hybrid perpetual, 

 hybrid teas, polyanthas, ruj;osas, and the hardy climbing types. 

 Yours truly, 



(Signed! A. C. BE.-VL, 

 Professor in charge of Floricultural Investigations. 



HISTORY AND CULTURE OF THE DAHLIA. 



i Coiitiiiiicd I'roui /'at;c 865. j 



CULTIVATION. 



This is the most important item in growino- Dahlias. 

 By cultivation I mean loosening the surface of the soil 

 regularly ; never allow it to become baked. Use the 

 pronged hoe or wheel cultivator freely, going from 4 to 

 6 inches into the ground ; close to the plant use a 

 small hand cultivator to loosen the soil, so as to avoid 

 injury to the stem and roots. Keep this up until the 

 plants commence to bloom, then only stir the soil to 

 the depth of an inch or two, and do it frequently as the 

 surface must never be allowed to become hard if the 

 crop of flowers is to be properly matured. 



WATERING. 



This is a subject which probably gives the a\erage 

 cultivator more concern than any other; rightly, too, 

 as it is of prime importance. It is ever a mooted ques- 

 tion when and how much water should be given not 

 only to Dahlias but to all growing plants, whether in 

 the field or in pots. As a general rule Dahlias should 

 not be watered. The soil being prepared as advised 

 herein, and cultivation followed assiduously, enough 

 moisture will be found in the soil by the roots of the 

 plants. Watch them in seasons of protracted drought 

 and if they show unmistakable signs of wanting water 

 give it freely ; enough to penetrate a foot below the 



surface. Superficial waterings are worse than useless 

 for them, and for other crops as well. There is more 

 damage done by such watering than if none was given. 

 The principle of irrigation as carried out in our West- 

 ern States is a safe guide. Give plenty of water when 

 needed, then let that suffice until needed again, when 

 another thorough soaking should be given. As soon 

 as the surface dries after watering stir it up and pul- 

 \erize the soil. I repeat this as it is of the utmost 

 importance. 



KEEPING FLOWERS FRESH. 



For cut flowers Dahlias should be cut early in the 

 morning, as they are then fuller of sap than later in 

 the day when evaporation is more rapid. Strip of? a 

 portion of the foliage from the bottom of the stem, 

 6 inches or so, and put the bare stems into water as 

 hot as can be borne by the hand. Leave them there 

 until it is cool, then ]nit them in cold water, adding 

 salt at the rate of about half an ounce per quart. Keep 

 the flowers in as cool a place as possible and in the 

 dark. Leave them in it for at least twelve hours be- 

 fore using. Those who have heretofore put them into 

 use quickly after cutting will be delighted and sur- 

 prised to find how much longer the flowers will last 

 if treated as above described. 



The Service Bureau 

 National Association of Gardeners 



Is maintained for the purpose of providing opportunities for efficient 

 and ambitious men engaged in the profession of gardening. 

 This department of the Association is at the disposal of those who 

 may require the services of capable superintendents, gardeners or 

 assistant gardeners. Address 



M. C. EBEL, Sec'y. 



Nation.ll .Xssociation of Gardeners. 



Madison, N. J. 



