REMARKS ON THE THREE RIVAL YELLOW DAHLIAS. 121 



Again, two of the Champions are said to have met at Cambridge, 

 and then we have a long contest about unfair means being used in 

 favour of one, and against the other. Then it is said, that the same 

 two champions met at Birmingham ; and a person comes forward, 

 and tells us one of the champions was not exhibited. Again, we are 

 informed, that all the three rivals met at Stafford Hall and had a "fair 

 stand up fight" and that the palm of victory was decided in favour 

 of Defiance; this again is contradicted, and it is said, that two out 

 of the three, at least, were equal. Now, amidst all these conflicting 

 assertions, it would almost puzzle a lawyer to know how to decide. 

 However, for people who have plenty of money, the thing is easy 

 enough ; they have only to buy all three, give them an equal chance, 

 and the flowers will themselves settle the matter. But for those who, 

 like myself, have, but very slender means, the case is rather a difficult 

 one, especially if they want a first-rate Yellow Dahlia, to know which 

 of the three to make choice of. But supposing all the three flowers 

 to have been equally good last season, it perhaps would not be a diffi- 

 cult matter to foretell which will be the best this season. Defiance, 

 from the great number of orders, is likely to be worked out of all 

 character ; and it will be well if it ever regain it (nothing is more 

 against a Dahlia than this). Argo, it is possible, will have the next 

 greatest circulation, and consequently prove the next greatest failure. 

 And Henrietta, from having the. least said about it, will probably be 

 the least worked ; and, as a matter of course, be the greatest favourite 

 of the three. This is merely a supposition. 



For my own part, I am a decided admirer of that old yellow of 

 1837, Girling's Topaz. It has borne the palm from its first coming 

 out ; and I shall be surprised if any one of the rivals be placed so 

 often next season as it will be. Dodd's Mary, too, I find is con- 

 demned to be grown only one season more ; but I think many, with 

 myself, will grow it longer (if spared) for old acquaintance sake, 

 and for what it has already done. However, if I live, I intend to 

 contribute my mite of "honour to whom honour is due" next season. 

 I have selected one hundred old flowers, and about sixty new ones, 

 including all those shown at Stafford Hall, and shall minutely ex- 

 amine the accounts of all the shows, and the other reports that 

 come under my notice, and faithfully mark the number of times each 

 flower is placed in the stands; and among the new flowers, signify 



