130 On the Cultivation of the Dahlia. 



bearing fruit from the seed. It is now growing finely, and makes 

 luxuriant wood every season. Seedlings raised from this variety will 

 undoubtedly be still better, and I have no doubt but that, if care is 

 taken to raise plants from every progeny, varieties approximating 

 very nearly to the foreign, will be the result. I have planted seeds 

 of the Isabella, Catawba, and of this seedling, and have a number of 

 vines of aJarire size, and a few of them have come into bearing. But 

 none of them are very good, the foxy taste being predominant in 

 most all. I shall continue, however, to sow the seeds of most of our 

 native grapes, with the expectation of procuring superior kinds. 



In a future paper I hope to give you some remarks on the propa- 

 gation of asparagus, and also on the propagation and growth of the 

 Plum tree. 



Yours, Samuel Pond. 



Cambridgeport, Feb. 22nd, 1835. 



Art. V. On the Cultivation of the Dahlia. By Mr. E. Putnam. 



The culture of this superb flower, which far surpasses all others, 

 that our gaidens in the autumnal months can produce, is very simple ; 

 and if the proper varieties are selected, but little care will he neces- 

 sary, excc[)t in very unfavorable seasons, to ensure a full hloom from 

 the beginning or middle of August, until the plants are destroyed 

 by frost. 



It is in airy situations, and in extremely rich and moist soils, that 

 Dahlias produce their flowers most abundantly ; but they will suc- 

 ceed perfectly well in gardens, however naturally dry, provided 

 care be taken to manure the soil wefl, and to supply the plants with 

 water, whenever they appear to require it. 



The tubers should be planted four feet apart, each way, and about 

 four inches deep, and whatever may be the number of eyes that 

 vegetate, one only should be allowed to grow, as each plant should 

 have but one leading stalk, which must always be securely tied to 

 the trellis or stake, that is intended for its support. If the main 

 stalk is properly secured, the side branches can be easily kept from 

 breaking, hy connecting them with each other, at about half their 

 lengtli, and at the same time encircling the whole plant with a small 

 string in such a way, that all the branches can rest upon it. If these 

 branches are numerous, a part of them must be cut oft', as very 

 bushy plants, in general, produce but few flowers. 



The question is frequently asked, if Dahlias should be forced in 

 their growth by artificial heat ? I think not. If the soil in which 

 they are to be planted is moist, it may be well to start the tubers 



