May ] SOIL ARRANGEMENT. 102 



larger pots as they require ; and gradually iuure them to a 

 lower temperature, till they can endure the open air, which 

 will not be before the middle of May. 



Propagation by Grafting. Where only a few plants are 

 wanted, this is a very successful method, as an operation can 

 be conducted in the office or parlour window. The cutting 

 intended for the graft should have about three joints ; when 

 obtained, select a good tuber without eyes from any common 

 sort, and with a sharp knife cut a slice from the upper part 

 of the root downward about two inches in length, and about 

 half an inch in depth, and then cut it off horizontally, leav- 

 ing a ledge whereon to rest the graft; next cut the graft 

 sloping to fit, and cut it so that an eye or joint may be at 

 the bottom of it to rest on the aforesaid ledge. After the 

 graft has been firmly tied, a piece of clay should be put 

 round it; pot the root in fine soil, in a pot that will bury the 

 graft half way in the mould, and cover it with a glass (a 

 large tumbler will do), and in two weeks it will have taken 

 root ; the glass may then be removed, and the plant gradually 

 inured to the open air. 



Soil. As far as my observations enable me to judge, the 

 soil best adapted for the Dahlia is a sandy loam, not reten- 

 tive of moisture, and not too rich, as they will grow to leaves 

 and branches, producing few flowers, and even then imper- 

 fect : not too poor, as in such they will be very indifferent, 

 meagre in size and general appearance. Where soils are 

 rich and heavy, a portion of sand or gravel should be mixed 

 in the soil where they are planted : but if poor, incorporate 

 with the sand well-decomposed manure ; and when the plants 

 are planted, a stick in proportion to the plant should be put 

 with it, and at least eighteen inches in the ground, and not 

 less than two inches in diameter, to which they must be care- 

 fully tied as they grow, never allowing more than one stem 

 tc each plant; and the side branches should be cut off from 

 one to three feet from the ground, according to the height of 

 the plant. Emperor de Maroc, the most favourite crimson 

 Dahlia, tipped with white, comes invariably true to its cha- 

 racter in sandy soil, whereas, in rich, heavy soil, it is fre- 

 quently only crimson The worst of all soils for the Dahlia 

 is a rich loam, retentive of moisture; in such they grow to 

 wood and foliage, producing few and very imperfect flowers. 



The best disposition or arrangement in planting tha 



