DAHLIA. 113 



are taken off; the weaker they will be. Plants struck with 

 bottom heat will never produce such good flowers, or s-uch 

 healthy plants, as those struck in the open ground, and 

 divided. 



THE SOIL. 



Much has been said and written on this subject. I have 

 found a sandy loam to be the best for general culture. 

 The Dahlia, like the Rose, will accommodate itself to 

 almost any soil, still it must be admitted that art will make 

 some difference in its culture, for if your Dahlias are selfs, 

 that is, flowers of one color, such as Matchless (Weller's) 

 Calliope, Admiral Stopford, Countess of Liverpool, and the 

 like, to enrich the soil a little will make their colors more 

 brilliant. For Dahlias of two colors, such as Alba purpu- 

 rea, Striata formosissima, Bride's Maid, Lady St.'Mauer, 

 or any other variegated flower, if planted in rich soil, their 

 colors will run, that is, the variegation will not be so dis- 

 tinct as in a poorer soil. A sandy loam for general culture 

 is best, and will retain moisture the longest, which in dry 

 weather is desirable. 



After the Dahlias are planted, you will find if of great 

 advantage to place old manure on the top for a foot around 

 the plant, to keep the roots moist in dry weather. It would 

 be a great advantage to drive your stakes prior to putting 

 your plants in ; by this means you would not destroy the 

 roots. Never allow but one stem to grow from one tuber. 



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