EDWARDS'S MRS. HANSARD DAHLIA. 



IN our October Number we gave a descriptive list of all tlie best new 

 Seedling Dahlias which had come under our notice at the London 

 and other exliibitions during the past season. Amongst them we gave 

 prominence to the variety Me here figure as standing, in our opinion, 

 pre-eminently above all the others, and at the various exhibitions it 

 attracted tlie admiration of all wiio saw the lovely flowers. 



It was raised by John Edwards, Esq., of Wace Cottage, HoUoway, 

 from whom it has been obtained by the Metropolitan Union, who pur- 

 pose sending it oat tlie next season. It ought to form one of every 

 collection, and of every stand of Fancy Dahlias tiie next year. 



Mr. Edv.ards having raised the vai'iety, we solicited the favour of 

 Jiis giving any particulars relative to its origin, properties, &c., and the 

 following remarks have been obligingly sent us: — 



" There can be little doubt that the past season was one of the longest 

 and most suecessfid in the memory of the ' oldest inhabitant,' com- 

 mencing as it did in earnest about the middle of August, nor was the 

 warfare closed until we were far advanced in October, a period of full 

 two niontlis. Tlie flowers have been of fair average quality, witli per- 

 haps a larger call on them for exhibitions than previously customary. 

 It must be fairly admitted tiiat the greatest unanimity and kindness 

 amongst exhibitors has been manifest, nor has there been the least 

 monoj)oly ; tlie forward to-day have met with defeat on the morrow, 

 but bearing the same witii true florist's pliilosophy. 



" Wliile tlie number of amateur exhibitors has been largely on the 

 increase, I am at a loss to account for the apparent falling-oft' amongst 

 the dealers. That as many amateurs follow Dahlia growing as ever 

 was very evident at the last South London Shoio, at which splendid 

 meeting my only regret was that of the Dahlia Prize Improvemicnt 

 Fund being neglected ; at least one-lialf lesn prizes were awarded than 



Vol. xviii. No. Afi.~N.S. 



2b 



