152 POPULAR GARDEN FLOWERS 



the varieties with this feature may not have such beauti- 

 ful flowers as the older sorts, but quality of bloom can 

 be developed subsequently. So great is the skill of 

 flower fertilisers that a few years of careful work with 

 a definite object in view would alter the character of 

 Dahlias entirely, and the change would be all for the 

 better. 



The Dahlia gives the florist good ground on which to 

 work. It is not a plant of feeble constitution and puny 

 growth, but of abundant inherent vigour. Some plants 

 deteriorate alarmingly under high cultivation. They 

 develop fungoid diseases a sure sign of weakened con- 

 stitution. When new varieties are raised and propagated 

 rapidly under artificial conditions, and by unnatural 

 means, such as cuttings, the plants soon become en- 

 feebled. Not so the Dahlia. It is too full of vitality. 

 It has an inexhaustible reserve of strength. The natural 

 method of increase by seeds has been practically dis- 

 continued for many years except to raise new varieties ; 

 and even propagation by division of the roots has given 

 way to the quicker method of striking cuttings ; yet the 

 Dahlia shows no signs of diminished strength. It is the 

 same hearty, luxuriant, free-growing plant that it always 

 was. This is encouraging. It tells the florist that he 

 may cross, and cross, and cross again, improve the 

 varieties to his heart's content, propagate his novelties 

 rapidly, and still have a sturdy, healthy plant. 



While the Dahlia remains vigorous and responsive 

 it is too early to despair of its future. There may be 

 temporary set-backs, due to special causes (such as the 

 development of flowers too heavy for their stems, as 

 already mentioned), but when they have been removed 

 the plant will get a new lease of life. Nor Sweet Peas, 

 nor Carnations, nor Roses will relegate Dahlias to the 



