NEW ZEALAND GARDENING. 105 



large and coarse, or are flimsy, or do not hold their form 

 in any or all these cases the flowers are objectionable ; and 

 if there be one or two of these faults conspicuous, the flower 

 is second or third rate. 



Propagation : by Cuttings. Cuttings may be made as 

 soon as the young shoots are long enough to be taken off. 

 The young shoots that spring from the tubers make the best 

 cuttings, and are the most sure to grow ; but the young 

 tops taken off at a joint will strike root and form small tubers 

 even so late as February, and often are more sure to grow in 

 the Spring following, if kept in small pots, than roots that have 

 been planted out late. If the shoots on the old tubers are 

 numerous, or there appear many buds ready to start, the 

 shoots that have grown three inches long may be slipped off 

 with the finger close to the tuber ; but if the shoots are few, 

 or only one, they must be cut off so as to leave two buds at 

 the base of the shoot to grow again. The cuttings, or 

 slips, must be put in pots filled with light earth, with a layer 

 of pure sharp sand on the surface, and placed in a gentle 

 hotbed. If the pot of cuttings can be plunged in coal ashes 

 or other material, the cuttings will strike the sooner ; water 

 very moderately and carefully, and shade from bright sun. 

 They will strike root in a fortnight or three weeks, and 

 should be immediately potted in three-and-a-half-inch pots, 

 and kept close for a few days, till they make a few more 

 roots. They may then be placed in a cold frame, shaded 

 from the sun. Pot them again into four-and-a-half-inch pots 

 before the roots become matted, and then begin to give air 

 daily, and keep them well watered. This system is not recom- 

 mended except for the propagation of rare and choice 

 varieties. 



By Division. The roots may be divided from the crown 

 downwards, taking care to have a bud or two to each division 

 or tuber. Pot them, if too early to plant out, or plant the 

 divisions out at once in their places, but not earlier than the 

 end of October. In dry situations dahlias may be left out 

 all the Winter ; but they degenerate much sooner than if 

 lifted and separated each season. 



By Seed. Save the seed from such double flowers as are 

 partially fertile, having bright, distinct colours and good 

 form. Gather as soon as ripe, and hang the pods up in a 



