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far attained are scarlet, yellow, rose, and crimson, mak-. 
ing a fine contrast with the yellow disk. 
PROPAGATION. 
The propagation of the Dahlia is quite simple. For 
amateurs, division of the root will more than supply 
their needs, as each will divide, if started in a hot bed or 
any warm and meist place, into good plants. For the 
trade it is propagated generally by cuttings taken off 
early in January, and grown on in pots, with few shift- 
ings, until time to plant out in the border. To succeed 
well they should have a strong, deep, and rich soil; as 
they are rapid growers, they are consequently gross 
feeders. For perfection in .bloom, the side branches 
should be kept cut, allowing but a few at the top; this 
will give but few flowers, though of superior quality. 
The roots should be stored during Winter in a dry, warm 
cellar, and covered with sand. This, however, will not 
be necessary South of this point. A better plan is to 
cover the roots or tubers where they are growing in the 
ground with straw or litter of some kind upon the 
approach of cold weather, and unless you wish to trans- 
plant and divide, they will grow on undisturbed for years 
in the same place, but it is better to divide and replant 
occasionally. With a climate like this of the Southern 
States, the Dahlia may be said to be at home, and it is 
one of the plants that pretty nearly takes care of itself. 
A careful staking to prevent the winds from breaking off 
the branches is an important item in its culture. Itis 
not necessary in making a new planting to set them out 
early; just soon enough to get a good start before the 
warm weather sets in. If planted out too soon they 
frequently grow too straggly, and do not make as nice 
