! 



APRIL.] FLOWER-GARDEN- DAHLIAS. 18] 



Diana ; Crimson Bonnet ; and Eximia, are all superb, 

 and at present the highest in estimation. For the 

 names of more of the finest varieties, with their colour, 

 see Catalogue at the end of the work. 



When the roots become very large, they ought to be 

 divided, and in dry seasons they require to be liberally 

 supplied with water to keep them growing. If their growth 

 is obstructed, the flowering will be imperfect. Where 

 they are grown to any extent, it would be advisable to 

 put up a large hot-bed about the end of March, and 

 plant them close together therein, about the beginning 

 of April, which would immediately cause them to grow. 

 Give plenty of air, and about the middle of May plant 

 them in the borders, beds, or rows, which will in cool 

 seasons cause them to flower earlier. 



The flowers are from three to eight inches in diame- 

 ter. There ought to be a few of the most distinct and 

 superb varieties, in every garden. Some individuals 

 consider the Anemone-flowered varieties the finest ; but 

 those who never saw a Dahlia flower of any charac- 

 ter, would, in our opinion, chose the large petaled 

 flowers. The Anemone-flowered sorts likewise are not 

 so large in flower as the other varieties. 



The foliage has no particular attraction about it; 

 the stems look strong, but are soft in substance. If seeds 

 are sown on a hot-bed in March, most of them will 

 flower the same year, by transplanting in the garden 

 about the end of May; but the fine double kinds seldom 

 produce seeds. 



