The Culture of Flowers from Seeds 



may be necessary, and then it will be wise to consider whether there 

 is space to grow the whole stock well. If not, do not hesitate to 

 sacrifice the surplus, and in doing so reject the rankest-growing 

 specimens, for these are least likely to produce a fine display of 

 bloom. It is mistaken practice to take out the top shoot, as this 

 checks the plant for no good end ; but when about six inches high, 

 each one will need the support of a stick. Give water freely, and 

 air on all suitable occasions. The least tendency to curled leaves 

 indicates something amiss, and demands immediate attention. A 

 cold blast may have stricken the plants, or the soil may be poor ; 

 lack of sufficient water will produce the mischief, or it may arise from 

 the presence of aphis. If the last-named assumption prove correct, 

 fumigate with tobacco on the first quiet evening, and omit watering 

 on that day. The mere mention of the other points will be sufficient 

 to show the remedy for them. 



As the time for transfer to the open air approaches, all that is 

 possible should be done to harden the plants for the change. They 

 may be placed for a few days under the shelter of a wall or hedge, 

 but on the least sign of frost be prepared to protect with hurdles or 

 mats. Full exposure during genial showers and fair weather is 

 advisable, and an occasional examination of the plants will prevent 

 their rooting through the pots into the soil. 



The border for Dahlias can scarcely be made too rich, for they are 

 hungry and thirsty subjects, and will amply repay in a profusion of 

 bloom the manure that may be lavished upon them. Insert at least 

 one stake, about a yard long, near each plant, to give support, and 

 two or three others will have to be given before the branches spread 

 far. Secure the first shoot when planting is completed, and follow 

 up the tying as growth demands. 



Dahlias bloom continuously for a long time, and appear to be 

 especially at home in the shrubbery border, or in the centre of a bed. 

 They are also valuable for training against buildings having a southern 

 aspect, and here the flowering period is much prolonged, for an early 

 frost will scarcely reach them. A light wall is an admirable back- 

 ground for deep-coloured varieties, and the white or yellow flowers 

 are displayed to advantage against a dark building. Dahlias may 

 either be used alone or in company with the climbing plants which 

 are usual in such positions. 



The flowers possess a special value for indoor decoration, and 

 any odd corner of the garden can be utilised for producing a supply 

 for this purpose. Cutting should invariably be done in the early 



240 



