DAHLIA AND TUBEROSE 277 



not water unless absolutely necessary. They then have a 

 dwarf er habit, and if the flowers are not so large, the plants 

 begin to bloom soon and flower profusely. For the finest 

 flowers, however, with any of the Dahlias, a rich and deep 

 soil, with good cultivation and artificial watering during the 

 summer, are the requisites. Staking will also be necessary. 



The roots may be left in the ground till the approach of 

 freezing weather, and for a week after the tops have been cut 

 by the frost. When dug they should be left out, exposed to 

 the sun and air for a couple of days to dry, covering them at 

 night if the weather is frosty. The dry soil having been 

 shaken off, the roots may be stored away in a dry, cool 

 place. Any place that would answer for potatoes will keep 

 Dahlia roots. 



In addition to multiplication by division, as previously men- 

 tioned, Dahlias are also easily propagated by seeds, and cut- 

 tings of the tender shoots. The latter should always be cut 

 just below a joint, so that there will be a pair of buds near 

 the lower end of the cutting. For further information and 

 varieties, consult Peacock on "The Dahlia", and Cornell 

 Bulletin 128. 



TUBEROSE. This plant, with its tall spikes of waxen and 

 fragrant white flowers, is well known. It is a strong feeder, 

 and loves warmth, plenty of water while growing, and a 

 deep, rich and well-drained soil. 



The bulbs may be set out in the garden or border the last 

 of May or in June, covering them about one inch deep. Pre- 

 paratory to planting, the old, dead roots at the base of the bulb 

 should be cut away and the pips or young bulbs about the sides 

 removed. After keeping them till their scars are dried over, 

 these pips may be planted 5 or G inches apart in drills. 

 With good soil and cultivation they will make blooming bulbs 

 for the following year. 



Before planting the large bulbs, it may be well to examine 

 the points, to determine whether they are likely to bloom. The 

 tuberose blooms but once. If there is a hard, woody piece of 

 old stem in the midst of the dry scales at the apex of the bulb, 

 it has bloomed, and is of no value except for producing pips. 

 Likewise if, instead of a solid core, there is a brownish, dry 

 cavity extending from the tip down into the middle of the bulb, 



