FRENCH VARIETIES 11 



Haage raised a nearly double flower that created much 

 interest, particularly for its rich purple colour. At this 

 period, much attention was given to the cultivation and 

 improvement of Dahlias in France, and when, in 1814, 

 the difficulties connected with visiting that country were 

 removed, Dahlia fanciers found their favourite flower 

 plentiful in French gardens. Many French varieties were 

 introduced to this country, where they were received with 

 enthusiasm. Two of the leading French amateurs were 

 M. Lelieur of Sevres and Comte de Vandes. To the last- 

 named belongs the credit of having sent to Dr. John Sims 

 the specimens of the two varieties that were figured in the 

 Botanical Magazine for 1817, Tab. 1885 A and Tab. 18858. 

 The first of these was a single flower of considerable size, 

 fine form, and a brilliant scarlet hue ; the other a double 

 flower of medium size, having nearly flat and somewhat 

 reflexing florets, whilst the colour was bright rose shading 

 to light rose at the margin. In general appearance it must 

 have resembled some of the old decorative varieties that 

 were reintroduced during the years 1870-80. 



By this time the Dahlia had become established in 

 English gardens, and it rapidly increased in popular favour, 

 whilst the increased demand for novelties induced raisers 

 to work with even greater energy to provide new and 

 improved varieties. Exhibitions multiplied in all parts of 

 the United Kingdom, and thousands of blooms were annually 

 shown during the period when the Dahlia was at the zenith 

 of its popularity as an exhibition flower, this period extend- 

 ing from 1820 to 1860. The flowers that found favour 

 with growers during the greater part of this period showed 

 much diversity in form and colour, and were similar to the 



