THE DAHLIA. 25 



The nearer the directions for preparing the soil and planting the roots 

 are followed, the longer the plants will continue to grow and bloom freely, 

 for the roots push out in every direction in search of nourishment and 

 moisture, thus forming a complete network of strong, vigorous feeding roots. 

 This immense system of roots not only more than supply the needs of the 

 plant, but enables it to withstand extreme droughts owing to the large 

 amount of moisture they hold in reserve. 



As long as the roots supply more nourishment than is needed to support 

 the plant, both the plant and the flowers increase in size and beauty ; but as 

 the supply gradually becomes exhausted, the plants cease growing and the 

 flowers become much smaller. This condition is what is generally called 

 " bloomed out," but what is really " starved out," and can easily be pre- 

 vented if the proper attention is given to the plants. As soon as the flowers 

 commence to grow smaller, broadcast around each plant a small handful of 

 pnre bone meal and nitrate of soda, in proportion four parts bone to one part 

 soda, and carefully work it into the soil. 



This will be carried down where the roots can reach it by the first rain, 

 and will restore full vigor to the plants and size to the flowers. In the 

 absence of above mixture, any good fertilizer rich in ammonia and phos- 

 phoric acid will give excellent results. This top dressing, and a thorough 

 stirring of the soil from time to time as already advised, will insure an 

 abundance of beautiful flowers until the plants are killed down by severe frosts. 



As soon as the plants are killed by frost, lift the roots and, after remov- 

 ing all the soil from them possible, allow them to dry in the air for a few 

 hours, when they should be stored in the cellar or some other cool place 

 secure from frost. If your cellar is very dry or is not frost proof, put the 

 roots in a barrel or box and cover completely with dry sand or some other 

 suitable and convenient material, such as saw dust or tan bark, to prevent 

 freezing or loss of vitality by drying and shriveling. Roots handled in this 

 way will keep safely over winter and will be in excellent condition for plant- 

 ing the following spring. 



Staking. It has always been thought necessary to tie Dahlias up to 

 stakes to prevent them from being blown down by heavy winds, but how 

 much more beautiful is a field or collection of Dahlias in full bloom without 

 stakes. The system of staking is not only unsightly during the early stage 

 of their growth, but is attended with considerable labor and expense. 

 Staking, however, is unnecessary if the directions already given on page 24 

 are followed, as the plants will branch out at the surface of the ground and 

 the stems will become so heavy as to resist the strongest winds. It may not 

 be out of place to add that this is the best method for growing Dahlias, as 

 the plants are one-third dwarfer, compact and regular in form, and produce 

 much finer flowers on long stems well supplied with buds and foliage. 



