PREFACE 



THE known history of the Dahlia covers a considerable 

 period, and teems with interest to those who are concerned 

 with plant development. One hundred and ten years ago 

 one of the forms of Dahlia variabilis flowered for the 

 first time in this country, and now the descendants of this 

 Mexican species are so numerous and diverse as to render 

 it difficult to realise that they have descended from the 

 species that bloomed in Eraser's nursery in 1802. The 

 fact illustrates in a remarkable degree the amount of varia- 

 tion that is sometimes to be found in a single species. 



To those who fully appreciate the garden value of the 

 Dahlia it is a matter of satisfaction to know that once more 

 the flower appears to be attaining the high degree of popu- 

 larity it so well merits. The increased appreciation on the 

 part of the public is due to the raisers of the present day 

 having broken so far away from the traditions of the past 

 that they have directed some portion of their energy to 

 the production of varieties specially adapted for beautifying 

 the garden. The Dahlia has considerable value for the 

 late summer exhibitions, but it is not comparable with its 

 usefulness for the adornment of the garden. The flower is 

 equally suitable for the gardens of the stately mansions and 

 the smaller plot that surround the humbler cottages. 



Recognising to the full the importance of the Dahlia 



vii 



