5"2 DAHLIA SUPERFLUA. 



hundred and twelve, all double ; which we believe to be considerably 

 more extensive than any other. 



The varieties of colours now presented in the different kinds of 

 Dahlias are very numerous, and often so strikingly combined and con- 

 trasted in the same flower as to command universal admiration. We 

 have them already regularly and most beautifully laced round the 

 edges of the petals, and we have no doubt that ere long we shall have 

 them uniformly striped with all the beauty of the best Carnation, not 

 only on flowers of inferior properties in other respects, but even those 

 of first-rate character as to symmetry ; and annually we are presented 

 with some kinds in advance towards its attainment. 



The raising of hybrid flowers is at all times interesting, but espe- 

 cially so in this unrivalled genus. The numerous seeds that a plant 

 will produce, the ease with which seedlings are raised, and the ra- 

 pidity of growth, blooming vigorously the first season, are pleasing 

 inducements even for a more general attention to it. The seeds 

 should be sown early in March, and be raised in moist heat ; when 

 the plants are large enough to transplant, they should be potted singly 

 into sixty-sized pots, and be placed, after taking root again, in a cool 

 frame, as is done to young plants raised by cuttings. About the 20th 

 of May they should be planted out, in a rich soil and good situation, 

 each plant having a stake to support it, and have all the attention as if it 

 was an old approved variety ; by which means good sized roots are ob- 

 tained, and the development of its properties more certainly attained, 

 than if treated in a somewhat careless manner, as is frequently done 

 by planting them in an unfavourable piece of ground, one that is 

 nearly otherwise useless, and putting them very close together and 

 allowing the tops to be prostrate on the ground. As to the subsequent 

 culture of the Dahlia, no one method will suit for every kind ; in order 

 to have some kinds as perfect as desired, they must be grown in 

 poorish soil, whilst others require it of the richest character. The 

 object, too, in growing the Dahlia, whether for a profusion of flowers 

 to produce a gay appearance, or for floral exhibition, requires a different 

 mode of treatment. In the former case not to have the soil so rich 

 as to produce an undue proportion of foliage when in contrast with 

 the flowers. A sandy loam will induce the greater profusion of 

 flowers, whilst a strong loam has the opposite tendency. Situation, 

 too, whether a confined or open one, renders a difference in cultivation 



