THE DAHLIA. 15 



symmetrical, growing but eighteen inches to three feet high, and are strong, 

 sturdy, and compact. Some of the varieties are extensively grown for cut 

 flowers, while they are all unsurpassed as specimen plants or for bedding 

 purposes, owing to their great profusion of bloom and brilliant colors. 



Double Tom Thumb Dahlias. A section of pigmies growing only twelve 

 to eighteen inches high, and the one pre-eminently adapted for bedding and 

 pot culture. The flowers are from two to three inches in diameter, and are 

 borne a few inches above the foliage, being quite distinct and striking. They 

 will undoubtedly be largely used for bedding, and are very appropriate for 

 children's miniature flower gardens. 



Part II. Single Dahlias. Single Dahlias are certainly very beautiful 

 and useful for bouquets, decorations, specimen plants and bedding, and 

 should be included in every collection. When the new high colored varie- 

 ties become better known they will undoubtedly be universally grown. All 

 Single Dahlias should have but eight rays or petals, and the rays should be 

 of the same length. Single Dahlias are sometimes divided into numerous 

 sections, but I shall be more conservative, and instead of subdividing sec- 

 tions, will mention the leading characteristics of each section. I will, there- 

 fore, divide Single Dahlias into the following sections : Standard, Show, 

 Fancy, Cactus, Dwarf, and Tom Thumb. 



Standard Single Dahlias. These are the old type generally cultivated 

 during the past and still prized by many for their large size and long stems. 

 The plants are tall, strong, robust growers, of a branching habit ; they are 

 free bloomers, and the easiest of Dahlias to grow. The flowers are self-colored, 

 though sometimes shaded and edged darker than the ground color ; they are 

 large, flat, and embrace the entire range of colors. 



Single Show Dahlias. So named because of their superb exhibition 

 qualities. They are entirely distinct from the preceding, and are the most 

 beautifully formed of all single varieties. The flowers are large, self-colored, 

 though sometimes edged and shaded darker than the ground color. The 

 petals are broad, overlapping each other, and are beautifully reflexed, thus 

 giving a rounded, finished appearance to the flower. This section is highly 

 prized for all purposes. 



Single Fancy Dahlias. The grandest of the single sections, and universal 

 favorites everywhere. The flowers are spotted, striped, splashed, margined, 

 variegated, and blended in every conceivable and inconceivable manner. 

 The colors, shades and tints are the loveliest found in nature, and embrace 

 all from the softest to the richest. The flowers are of beautiful forms, some 

 being reflex, of large size, and are marvels of entrancing loveliness. They 

 are strong growers, profuse bloomers, and are invaluable for all purposes. 



Single Cactus Dahlias. As the name would suggest, these are entirely 

 distinct from any other section. The petals are long, narrow, and irregular, 



