284 Additional Remarks 



teemed kinds. If, however, in all other respects they are not 

 wanting, viz. in roundness of form, fullness of petals, high 

 centre, and brilliant color if selfs, or distinct if tipped flow- 

 ers, they will not be objectionable. But if one of the same color 

 could be produced with the concave petal, the convex one would 

 be displaced. The latter are beautiful and not objectionable, 

 because of the same colors we have none with concave petals 

 and in other respects equally as fine. 



If we notice the above properties of a fine dahlia, we shall 

 see that/o?')7i is the most essential, next co/or, and thirdly size. 

 But the question is, what is perfection o( form? Springfield 

 Rival has been the standard. But it is imperfect; and let us see 

 wherein. On this point we quote the observations of an Eng- 

 lish grower, whose ideas upon the subject correspond with ours. 



"The only flower which is perfect on the outer edge, and 

 thus forms a perfect circle, w'ithout notch, is the Springfield Ri- 

 val; this fails on the side of the view, because the eye does not 

 rise to the top, and the back petals reflect; the most beautiful 

 bloom we have seen of it out of some hundreds being somewhat 

 sunk in the centre. 



"It is, however, a quesiion if we ever get a flower perfect in 

 all respects, for almost every grower says the Springfield Rival 

 is the best. Our notions, then, of perfection, may be estimated 

 thus: Would the Springfield Rival be handsomer, if the eye or 

 crown rose up to a complete half circle, with all its present beau- 

 ties.'' Secondly, Would it be better if, instead of the present 

 reflection of petals on the under side, they were perfectly square 

 and flat.' If these points be conceded, our notions of perfec- 

 tion are established; for certainly, in the beauty and accuracy of 

 tliese petals, no art could effect an improvement, nor could the 

 compass of a mathematician improve the circular outline of the 

 Springfield Rival, as you view it in front." 



These observations are very correct. All who have grown 

 or seen the Springfield Rival in its best state have probably re- 

 marked its deficiency, viz. its hollow centre, otherwise so very 

 perfect and beautiful: and while there have been others "well up 

 in the centre," as they are now described, in other properties 

 they have come short, or at least have not excelled, until the 

 present season, this old variety. 



Perfection, therefore, in form, should be half a globe. But 

 blooms, perfect in other respects, may be either more or less so, 

 and still not be objectionable. Those, however, which are more 

 than half a ball, would be the most perfect: for if they fall much 

 short, they have altogether too flat an appearance. Criterion is 

 an instance of a form less than half a globe, and Juliet, (Wid- 

 nall's,) one in which it is more; both flowers are well known, 

 and will convey our ideas in judging upon this point. 



