ON THE CULTURE OF THE DAHLIA. 31 



served. I will not remark further on these occasional failures, 

 than that it is generally understood to he occasioned by detaching 

 the young shoot unskilfully, 'without the incipient or minor buds 

 or eyes connected with the base of it. Some few roots which 1 

 have propagated in this manner, (by divisions) have produced 

 luxuriant plants and flowers which have gained me several marks 

 of distinction, when exhibited in competition in a private as- 

 sociation of amateur florists. 



Planting. — On this and the subsequent treatment, much depends 

 the success and beauty of the forthcoming bloom. 



The last week in May, or first in June, I consider the most safe 

 and proper time for this work ; for it is calculated on an average 

 of years, that there are only two months in the year, viz. July and 

 August, in which the thermometer is not liable during some part 

 of the night, to fall as low as 32°. 



The soil intended for the reception of the plants should have 

 been laid up in ridges during the preceding winter and spring, 

 and should consist of a good sandy loam, well manured with old 

 frame dung, also well exposed to the previous winter. If the loam 

 partakes of a heavy or saponaceous quality, a tolerable portion of 

 river sand should be united with it. Or well decomposed road 

 stuff will be found of advantage to intermix with the whole; but I 

 most distinctly wish to be understood, that although so great an 

 advocate for the use of well-neutralized manure, I at the same 

 time strongly advise that that use should not be indiscriminate or 

 disproportionate to the quantity or nature of the soils with which 

 it is united, or it will be found to produce a rejdetion of growth, 

 by no means desirable to attain. 



The variegated varieties should be grown principally in a fine 

 sandy loam or peat, nearly or wholly destitute of manure, accord- 

 ing to their specific natures, or they will be liable to run too much, 

 and exhibit self-coloured flowers ; and in the event of any such 

 appearing, they should be taken off the plant as soon as ascer- 

 tained. 



Wherever the size of the garden will admit of it, four or five 

 feet space each way should be nllowed between the plants, by 

 which their health and strength will be much improved, and will 

 thow to far greater advanlaj^r than il planted close. 



1 inuch advise that the' plants, on being turned out Of the pott 



