THE DAHLIA. 



CHAPTER VII. 



DAHLIAS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES. 



HERE are now varieties of almost every conceivable color, form 

 and habit ; and, where the finer varieties are known, they 

 are largely used and highly prized, for all floral purposes. 

 There are many varieties that are similar in color, and from 

 a general description would be called identical ; yet, owing to 

 form and habit, they are entirely distinct, and each are pre- 

 eminently adapted to some special purpose. It is, therefore, 

 of the greatest importance that the various characteristics of each variety 

 should be given in the descriptions, that the monotnoy and general similarity 

 of the descriptive list can be avoided, and thus assist the buyer in selecting 

 varieties for any special purpose. In the past, Dahlias were grown chiefly as 

 garden plants, where color was of importance, and little attention was given 

 to any particular shade or tint of that color ; but with the knowledge of the 

 adaptability of the plant to conditions, and its value for so many special pur- 

 poses, varieties to supply these needs were produced. Therefore, the time 

 for buying and growing Dahlias under color is past, and both the amateur 

 and the grower will select certain named varieties for a certain purpose. 



Cut Flowers. There is no flower more useful for cut flower purposes 

 than the Dahlia, coming, as they do, at a season when there is a dearth of 

 other good flowers. Varieties having large flowers of perfect form, good 

 texture and finish, pleasing and attraclive colors, and borne on long stems 

 well supplied with buds and foliage, are the most useful. The Decorative 

 Cactus varieties are the most valuable for this purpose and the following are 

 among the very best : Nymphcea, Clifford W. Bruton, Harry Freeman, 

 Lyndhurst, Delicata, Evadne, Black Prince, Mrs. Hawkins, Oban, Princess 

 Harry, Marchioness of Bute and Sunlight. 



Many of the Show and Fancy varieties are also largely used for vases 

 and large decorations, among the best being Miss May Lyomas, Miss Flor- 

 ence Shearer, Mrs. Gladstone, Pluton, Souv. de Mad. Moreau, Purity, Pene- 

 lope, Lucy Fawcett, Crimson Giant, Mrs. Langtry, Grand Duke Alexis, 

 Ruby Queen, Frank Smith, and Arabella. 



The Pompon or Bouquet Dahlias are great favorites, especially for bou- 

 quets, and decorations where small flowers and brilliant colors are wanted. 

 The best for cut flowers are : Snowclad, Loveliness, Fairy Queen, Beauty In- 



