UN' THE CT..TURE OF THE DAHLIA. 33 



Young caterpillars should be particularly sought after, if any 

 symptoms of them appear ; for one of these insects, although quite 

 small, if once on a flower (on which the most anxious hopes may 

 be fixed (would soon destroy its beauty; their attack being most 

 effectual. In twenty-four hours, one caterpillar would render a 

 fine bloom disgusting to the sight. 



Take up the roots in November, in dry weather if possible, afte r 

 the frost has cut the tops ; expose them to any dry open air by 

 day, but protect them from frost by night. When perfectly dry 

 and free from the greater part of the soil, either tie each root in 

 dry moss or straw, or cover them with very dry sand or bran, 

 placing them where they will remain during winter, perfectly se- 

 cure from frost or damp. 



I have said nothing as to Seedlings, for to treat sufficiently on 

 that head, it should form the subject of a distinct article, which in 

 all probability may be discussed (further than has already been 

 done in the Cabinet) by some other correspondent ; notwith- 

 standing which I much advise every grower, who has time and space 

 of ground enough to devote to the purpose, on no account to neg- 

 lect the operation. By a judicious selection and fructification of 

 seed, many new and fine varieties are to be obtained, but without 

 plenty of garden room and good perseverance, it had better be alto- 

 gether let alone. 



The subjoined list of some of the most esteemed varieties I beg 



from experience to recommend as being worthy of the notice of 



those commencing the growing of Dahlias, or of any who may not 



already be possessed of them, most, or all, of which are annually 



exhibited at the various Floricultural Meetings throughout the 



kingdom, and arc to be obtained at a moderate price. The bloom 



of the majority of these is well elevated above the foliage. " Lady 



I'itzharris" is certainly one exception to this, and is a peculiar and 



I cannot say perfectly formed flower, but the colour and surprising 



size of its best blooms strongly recommend it. 



Criterion edged 



Queen of Dahlias ditto 



Lcvick's Lord Milton fine orungo 



Widnall's Perfection bright rosy crimson, cupped petals 



Springfield Rival dark crimson, cupped petals 



J.ady Fitzharris fine crimson 



Lady Grenville fine rosy pink 



Lcvick's Beauty of Sheffield white with rosy purple edge 



Maid of St. Leonards ,,,,, .lino bull' 



VOL. III. V 



