12 



THE DAHLIA. 



CHAPTER II. 



CLASSIFICATION. 



T is doubtful if two persons would classify Dahlias exactly alike. 

 Some would make so many sections as to be confusing, while 

 others would fail to give a sufficient number to demonstrate 

 marked distinctions. As the latter is the lesser evil of the tw r o 

 I shall, if I err at all, err on that side. Many, speaking on 

 the subject, criticise the forming of so many classes in any 

 flower as confusing to the amateur, and perhaps, to a certain 

 extend, they are right ; but it is more confusing to offer five yellow Dahlias, 

 in one section, than it is to offer the same number in five different sections. 

 Amateurs would not want to buy two or more varieties that are exactly alike, 

 or even similar, and in the former case would hesitate, not knowing which 

 to select, but when offered in distinct sections they would know 7 at once 

 which they wanted from the characteristics of the section to which it 

 belonged . 



Dahlias are divided into two parts or general divisions, double and single, 

 while each of these divisions are again divided into sections, according to 

 habit of plant and type of flower. 



Part I. Double Dahlias. Double Dahlias are divided into the following 

 classes, or, more properly speaking, sections : Cactus, Decorative, Show, 

 Fancy, Pompon or Bouquet, Dwarf and Double Tom Thumb. These sec- 

 tions are again sub-divided by some, but the practice is to be deprecated as 

 it only leads to confusion ; and instead of making more classes or sections, 

 any distinctive features should be placed in the description of the individual 

 variety. 



Cactus Dahlias. This section is of recent introduction and is among the 

 most useful and beautiful of the entire family. Juarezzi was the first Cactus 

 Dahlia, and is still quite popular, though it would not now be considered an 

 ideal type. The flowers are very large, flat and of the most exquisite finish, 

 being soft, delicate and graceful. The colors of this class are the most 

 exquisitely delicate and refined, while the blendings of shades and tints are 

 surpassingly lovely. The flowers are perfectly double, loosely arranged, 

 irregular in outline, and are borne on good stems, W 7 ell supplied with buds 

 and foliage. The plants are mostly strong growers and are very profuse 

 bloomers. 



