THE DAHLIA. 13 



Decorative Dahlias. This group is similar to the preceding in habit but 

 are of stronger growth and are more profuse bloomers. They are generally 

 sold as Cactus Dahlias but are entirely distinct. In form they are about half- 

 way between the Show and Cactus varieties, being sometimes called Semi- 

 Cactus. The flowers have the same exquisite colors and superb finish of the 

 cactus varieties ; are of largest size, beautiful form, and are borne on long 

 stems supplied with buds and foliage. The petals are long, broad, beautiful 

 and regular, though the}- vary in form in different varieties. This class, as 

 the name would suggest, is the best for general decorations. 



S/ton 1 Dahlias. These are a branch of the old ball-shaped type, and are 

 very highly prized by all who wish to make a beautiful show in mass. They 

 are very large, of beautiful compact form, and are double to the centre. In 

 many cases the outer petals reflex to the stem, forming a perfect ball. This 

 is the oldest form of the double Dahlia, and is better known and more uni- 

 versally grown than any other section. Some of the varieties are unsurpassed 

 for vases and large decorations, being of immense size, with long stems. 

 They embrace the full range of colors, except blue, and ever} 7 intermediate 

 shade and tint. The flowers are all either solid self-colored or edged and 

 shaded darker than the ground color. This section is invaluable for bank- 

 ing and massing, or, in fact, for an}- purpose where a large display is wanted. 



Fancy Dahlias. Also a branch of the old ball- shaped type, but are en- 

 tirely distinct from the Show Dahlia, and are the most popular ever}- where, 

 owing to the lovely combinations of colors in the same flower. They are 

 splashed, penciled, margined, edged and variegated in every conceivable 

 manner and form. The flowers are of large size, beautiful and regular form, 

 while the plants are strong, vigorous growers and free bloomers. They are 

 general favorites, and are largely planted in garden collections and as spec- 

 men plants. This section is seldom offered separately, but is included in the 

 Double Large Flowering or Show Dahlias of the catalogues. 



Pompon or Bouquet Dahlias. This is not only a charming section, but 

 one of the loveliest of the entire family. The flowers are of the most beau- 

 tiful form, and embrace every color, shade, and tint found in Dahlias. 

 They are very highly colored, while many of the varieties are beautifully 

 variegated. The plants are of dwarf, compact growth, and, being continually 

 covered with a mass of flowers, are very effective for bedding or borders, 

 where they produce a beautiful effect. The flowers are largely used for 

 bouquets and decorations, lasting a long time after being cut. This section 

 is especially valuable for pot culture and for planting on small grounds where 

 a large collection is desired, as they can be planted much closer together than 

 the larger varieties. 



Divarf or Bedding Dahlias. This section is also generally included with 

 the Double Large Flowering or Show Dahlias. The plants are beautiful and 



