DAHLIA DANDELION 91 



store them in a cellar as you would potatoes. Cannas may 

 be stored in the same place. 



Daisy. The perennial English Daisy, or Bellis 



perennis, is a prime favorite as an edging plant. The cheer- 

 ful little flowers show early in the spring, and with a little 

 care bloom continuously through a long season. They 

 should be given well enriched, moist soil, and be mulched 

 through hot weather. The usual method of propagation is 

 by division of the crowns, made in cool weather. They may 

 also be grown from seed, but the chances are that many in- 

 ferior flowers will be produced. Set the plants 3 or 4 inches 

 apart. Height 3 to 5 inches. The colors are white, pink and 

 red. Hardy if mulched in winter, but best results are ob- 

 tained if plants are renewed frequently. 



Many other plants are called Daisy, particularly the wild 

 Asters, the Ox-eye Daisy or Whiteweed, and the Paris Daisy 

 (Chrysanthemum frutescens) . 



Damping Off is the rotting off of cuttings or 

 young plants near the surface of the soil. It is the work of 

 fungi; but these fungi are injurious because they find con- 

 ditions congenial to their rapid growth. Prevention is 

 worth more than cure. See that the soil is wet clear 

 through, not wet on top and dry beneath. Keep it as dry as 

 possible on the surface. Avoid soggy soils. On peaty soils, 

 sprinkle sand or coal ashes to keep the top dry. Give the 

 plants free circulation of air. Give them abundance of 

 room. If Damping Off threatens, transplant. 



Dandelion. This common weed would hardly 

 be recognized if seen under cultivation in the vegetable 

 garden. The plants attain a large size and the leaves are 

 much more tender. The seed may be selected from the 

 best field-growing plants, but it is better to buy the French 

 seed of the seedsmen. 



Sow in spring in well manured soil, either in drills or in 

 hills 1 foot apart. A cutting of leaves may be had in Sep- 



