108 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



called the "Hen and Chickens," from the circumstance that 

 round the outer whorls emanate a great many small flowers, 

 giving the whole quite an ornamental appearance, at the 

 same time a singularity not easily described. The Daisy 

 throws up a scape about four inches high, naked and single 

 flowered; the leaves being spatulate, obovate, crenate. 

 This flower is but little cultivated in this country ; this may 

 arise as much from a want of knowledge of their culture as 

 any thing else. The Daisy should be kept in the shade 

 and be repotted spring and fall with what gardeners call 

 maiden soil. This is easily attained by going into the 

 meadows, and taking off the turf, then you come to the soil 

 described ; but do not dig below three inches, after the turf 

 is taken off. With the use of this soil, and a shady situa- 

 tion, your plant will thrive. One thing is to be observed ; 

 you must consider this plant a parlor one, for it will not 

 stand the severity of the winter in this country. It is in- 

 creased by dividing the roots in the fall. 



DAHLIA. 



(GEORGINA.) 



" Her matchless wealth of beauty beggars all 

 Our courtly dames can boast ! her queenly form, 

 Her majesty of mein, would grace a throne." 



The Dahlia is a perennial of much beauty, and has cre- 

 ated more excitement than any other flower since the Tulip 



