THE DA.HLIA. 3! 



as soon as danger of frost is over. They require the same treatment as other 

 Dahlias, except that they must be watered until thoroughly established, and 

 will bloom freely the first season. 



Growing new varieties from seed is most fascinating to amateurs, owing 

 to the uncertainty and expectancy ; for beside the possibility of raising a 

 finer variety than was ever before produced, they have the pleasure of watch- 

 ing each plant as it first unfolds its hidden secret. 



Sports have the same form and other characteristics of the variety from 

 which they spring, and are simply a reproduction of the old variety in a dif- 

 ferent color or colors. In some instances they have simply a change in the 

 ground color, as is seen in the "Fawcett" sports, whilein others there is 

 a complete change of colors. They are seldom an improvement on the old 

 variety, and are most frequent among the Fancy sections. Some varieties 

 sport permanently, while others sport back and forth and cannot be depended 

 on unless selected very carefully. An example of the latter class can be 

 found in the Fancy Dahlia " Dandy," which is a red pink, striped and heavily 

 penciled, reverse black, and is so apt to sport that, unless care is exercised, nine- 

 tenths of the flowers will be solid black. There is also a pink sport of this 

 variety, but if care is taken to throw out all but the striped type for a few 

 years, but little trouble will be experienced in keeping it true. 



Some of the new varieties recently introduced are marvels of entrancing 

 loveliness, being of largest size, most beautiful form, and of exquisite finish. 

 While there has not been a blue variety produced as yet, many believe it is 

 only a question of a little time, for we already have several purples contain- 

 ing blue shades ; all that is needed is to develop those shades, and we have 

 the greatest floral novelty of the century. 



A great deal has been said regarding the value of new varieties of flowers, 

 both pro and con ; but it is now generally conceded that new varieties of 

 merit are, not only beneficial to floriculture, but are absolutely necessary to 

 keep up a popular interest, in any class of plants. The past history of the 

 Dahlia is sufficient proof of this ; but, while new varieties are essential, im- 

 provement is of still greater importance, and no variety should be introduced 

 unless it has more good points than any other variety of a similar color and 

 type. 



