CHAPTER X 



METHODS OF PROPAGATION 



THE propagation of Dahlias is really a very simple matter, 

 but in the raising of stocks of these, as of most other classes 

 of plants, the details have to be clearly understood before 

 the simplicity of the method adopted becomes obvious. 

 Therefore those who are inexperienced in the art of cultivat- 

 ing Dahlias should be careful to become well acquainted 

 with the several methods of increase and the culture for 

 which they are best suited, and so avoid unnecessary trouble 

 and failure. The information essential to obtaining satis- 

 factory results in propagation will be found in this chapter. 

 To begin well is a point of much importance, and this 

 fact was recognised not less clearly by the past generation 

 of cultivators than by the most successful growers at the 

 present time. We have abundant proof of this in the 

 periodic literature of past days, in which Dahlias and their 

 cultivation received a full share of attention. Again and 

 again we find the old writers urging their readers to so 

 carry out the earlier details that the plants will be able to 

 make a good start when transferred to beds and borders, 

 and will not have to make up for time lost in the preparatory 

 stage. A good beginning as generally understood by 

 Dahlia growers is the provision of a stock of strong plants 



