THB DAHLIA. 19 



devoid of fragrance and almost pure white during an excessively wet, cold 

 and cloudy season, or very late in the autumn. Of course if an entirely 

 distinct variety is received it is something else, and a complaint together 

 with a flower should be sent at once. 



Division of roots is not only the easiest and best, but far the cheapest of 

 the three methods of propagation, and the one followed, as far as possible, 

 by all growers. However, with new or rare varieties, where it is not so 

 much cost as quantity, division is entirely inadequate to the occasion, as 

 it would take several years to secure even a limited stock. Accordingly, 

 new and rare varieties are propagated from cuttings and offered as plants, or 

 are grown another year and offered as field, or pot roots, at a price within 

 the reach of all. It will thus be seen that a thorough knowledge of the art 

 of propagation is very useful, but that evil will always result from its being 

 carried too far. 



In buying Dahlias it is always wise to give strong field roots the prefer- 

 ence, as they give the best results the first year ; but, as the roots are easily 

 kept from year to year, the main object is to get the best varieties, regardless 

 of the form in which they are offered . 



