38 THE DAHLIA. 



but little trouble and expense. In this respect, it has no equal, and can truly 

 be called the flower for the masses, as its superb beauty can be as fully 

 developed in the workingman's garden, as on the more pretentious grounds 

 of his more fortunate neighbors. 



I am often told that the Dahlia can never supplant the Chrysanthemum, 

 and that the Dahlia shows would never reach the popularity of the Chrysan- 

 themum shows. As to the first no one would wish it, nor could it be, as 

 they occupy two distinct seasons, and one follows the other in perfect suc- 

 cession. The Dahlia is in bloom from June until October, while the finer 

 Chrysanthemums do not commence to bloom until the last of October and 

 November ; as they thus occupy two distinct seasons, it is useless to compare 

 their relative qualities. One is a popular garden plant, the other, to be fully 

 developed, belongs to the greenhouse ; both have their missions neither can 

 be spared. 



But in popularity, the Dahlia shows are destined to surpass every other 

 floral exhibition in the near future, as they require no special conditions ; 

 no greenhouses, and can be grown in every garden, thus insuring spirited 

 competition, without which the popularity of a show is sure to wane as the 

 novelty wears off. Nor is this popularity undeserved ; there is no other 

 flower can compare with them in range of colors or variegations, while the 

 beautiful lustre of the colors is unsurpassed in nature. 



It is only at a comprehensive Dahlia exhibition, that its many wonderful 

 characteristics can be seen. Flowers of almost every conceiveable form and 

 color, all of superb beauty, are tastefully arranged so as to give the most 

 pleasing effects. Some plants only ten inches high are exhibited in full 

 bloom, while near by is a giant of ten, perhaps fifteen feet high. There are 

 so many classes and types of Dahlias, that a person seeing a complete exhibit 

 for the first time would be very apt to ask : " But which are the Dahlias?" 



Among the new introductions are varieties that resemble the Chrysan- 

 themum, the Water Lily, the Cactus, and the Rose, besides improved forms 

 of all the older types ; and it is not unusual to see specimen blooms six to 

 eight inches in diameter, on stems two to three feet long. This diversity of 

 types and forms, precludes the possibility of that monotony so common at 

 flower shows. The rapidly increasing popularity of the Dahlia will do much 

 towards developing floriculture, especially in the rural districts, and will 

 undoubtedly encourage the formation of local societies, for the purpose of 

 holding Summer and early Autumn flower shows, throughout the country. 



