THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE 135 
plant lettuces at the same time as you plant the dahlias, and that plan 
will answer as well as sowing seed. When planting have at hand a 
little fresh dry lime in powder, and give every plant a slight dusting ; 
and also sprinkle lime on the soil in a circle round the little plant, 
taking care not to leave a gap in the circle for a slug to crawl 
through. Repeat the liming after every shower until the plants 
are a foot or so high, when the slugs will no longer care to touch 
them, Three weeks after planting put on a good surface dressing 
of short dung, and prick it in all over the piece. This will be of 
immense service, both for promoting a healthy growth and to keep 
down vermin. 
Staking AND Trarinrnc.—As remarked above, the stakes should 
be inserted before the plants are put out; butif this is neglected, 
they must, of course, be put in afterwards. In which case, to pre- 
vent injury to the roots, drive the stake in at a distance of three or 
four inches from the stem. I have for many years practised a 
system which benetits the plants, and insures to them more pertect 
protection against gales of wind, while it renders them more pleasing 
in appearance than the old-fashioned way of allowing every plant 
to attain its full stature. It consists in bending them down, so that 
the stems run for a short distance on the ground and then turn up, 
and are secured to short stakes. This system may be prepared for 
by bending down the stem while it is pliable, and then securing it 
to two stout pegs; butif the stem has got somewhat firm, a dexterous 
twist will bring it down without injury, and the tying will follow as 
a matter of course. 
Warterinc.—Water liberally when newly planted, to settle the 
soil about the roots ; and if the weather happens to be dry, sprinkle 
them overhead in the evening, and apply water to the roots as may 
appear necessary. Dahlias require a liberal share of moisture ; 
nevertheless, it is not good practice to thoroughly saturate the soil 
at the commencement of the season. By the second or third week 
in July the plants will have become thoroughly established, and the 
soil will be full of roots. Consequently larger supplies of moisture 
will be required, and during periods of dry weather it will be neces- 
sary to water liberally once or twice a week, according as the soil 
may be heavy or light. Soft water, such as may be obtained from a 
pond, is preferable until the necessity for applying stimulants arises. 
Rain or river water is also suitable, but that from deep wells is the 
least to be desired, because of its coldness and hardness. The be- 
ginning of August is a most suitable time for commencing the use 
of liquid manure, and if applied twice a week the plants will receive 
ample assistance. The drainings from manure-heaps and stables will 
be the most suitable, and if it can be allowed to run into a tank and 
be diluted with an equal or double quantity of water, according as 
it comes from the manure-heap or stable, it will be more convenient ; 
but in any case it will be necessary to dilute it, and at all times due 
care must be taken to avoid wetting the foliage with it. 
Tumntne anp Dispuppine.—It is not advisable to thin the 
plants severely, but, as there is generally more growth than we 
require, systematic thinning must be resorted to, I like to see a 
May. 
