32 ON* THE COLTURE OF THE DAHLIA. 



should not be planted too near the surface. No apprehension 

 need be entertained that the lower portion of the stem of the plant 

 then surrounded by the soil will rot, for vegetation advances 

 rapidly with the Dahlia, and the lower part of the stem gradually 

 attains a strong woody substance. 



I tried last season the newly invented Dahlia pans, and am 

 persuaded of their utility ; firstly, in protecting the plants while 

 young from the attack of several species of insects, which will not 

 cross the water to them ; and secondly, in tending to check evapo- 

 ration, and thereby preserving a greater regularity of moisture 

 about the root. 



It is most important to keep the plants regularly supplied with 

 moisture, using rain or river water, and applying it gradually by 

 means of the water pot, always after sunset ; and the ground being 

 covered around the plants with two inches deep of old dung, will 

 much increase the brilliancy of the self-coloured blossoms. Be 

 most careful to secure the plants by means of proper stakes, one 

 near the centre stem, and several round the outside of the lateral 

 arms, tied with bass strings, to guard against the powerful effects of 

 strong winds. 



Avoid as much as possible planting Dahlias near trees, walls, or 

 close fences, or they will be drawn up weakly ; the more airy and 

 open the situation the better, and if any exhibit symptoms of run- 

 ning up disproportionately, or exuberant, it may be somewhat 

 retarded by firmly treading the earth round the root. 



If planted in pots, it should be in twelves or eights, and may be 

 trained to frames, Geranium fashion, having one strong support to 

 the main stem of the plant ; and the surface of the soil should be 

 covered with moss, or fine old dung, and the pots not exposed to 

 the full glare of the mid-day sun, or no regular moisture can be 

 preserved. 



Insects. — The pans alluded to (kept constantly supplied with 

 water) will prevent the ascent of the earwig ; but where the pans 

 are not used, or where used, sticks are placed outside of them, for 

 the support of the plant when advanced in growth, pieces of hollow 

 reed, cane or dry rhubarb stem, a few inches long, inserted among 

 the stems and foliage, will entrap them. After feeding, they secrete 

 themselves in these traps, and they can be turned out and destroyed 

 every morning, if desired. 



