THE DAHLIA, OR GEORGINA. 273 



Among the most highly prized in England at the present 

 day may only be mentioned, Dodd's Mary, Duchess of 

 Richmond, Essex Rival, WidhalPs Conductor, Suffolk 

 Hero, Ruby, Sussex Rival, Marquis of Lothian, Cox's 

 Yellow, Grace Darling, Climax, Sir John Franklin, Sir F. 

 Bathurst, Magnificent, Yellow Perfection, Snow-flake, 

 Elizabeth, &c., &c. 



New varieties are, of course, procured from seed ; the 

 utmost attention being paid to the parentage and the 

 crossing of flowers of different colors. If sown in flower- 

 pots, and aided by a little heat, the seedlings, speedily 

 planted out, will flower the first season. Established vari- 

 eties are propagated by dividing the large tuberous roots ; 

 but, in doing so, care must be taken to have an eye to 

 each portion of tuber, otherwise it will not grow. Some- 

 times shoots of rare varieties are grafted on the roots of 

 others. A good method, now generally practised, is to 

 take cuttings close from the roots of the plants, as soon as 

 they shoot up in the beginning of summer, and to strike 

 them in small flower-pots. They strike freely, and the 

 plants generally show flower during the same season. 



Dahlias succeed best in an open situation, and in rich 

 loam ; but there is scarcely any garden soil in which they 

 will not thrive, if well manured. They are, however, in- 

 jured by being repeatedly planted on the same spot. 

 They may stand singly like common border flowers, but 

 have the most imposing appearance when seen in masses 

 arranged according to their stature. Old roots often 

 throw up a multitude of stems, which render thinning 

 necessary. As the plants increase in height, they should 

 be furnished with strong stakes, by being tied to which 

 they may withstand high "Winds. Dahlias generally con- 

 tinue to show their flowers till they be interrupted by frost 

 12* 



