THE DAHLIA. 



CHAPTER X. 



THE AMERICAN DAHLIA SOCIETY. 



HIS Society, which already has members in several States, 

 even as far west as Colorado, was organized at Hotel Han- 

 over, Philadelphia, on March 20, 1895. Unlike most socie- 

 ties, it was organized at the earnest solicitation of several 

 amateur admirers of the ' ' grand old flower, ' ' who saw the 

 need of such an organization to thoroughly introduce the 

 new types and forms. 



The Dahlia had underwent a complete transformation, and these admirers 

 saw that it was necessary to show the marvelous results of more than a cen- 

 tury's constant improvement. But there were other reasons for forming the 

 society. The flower has always been popular with amateurs and gardeners, 

 even if neglected by professional horticulturists, and has been largely grown, 

 especially in the rural districts ; but, owing to multiplicity of names and in- 

 feriority of varieties, the demand was becoming less each year, and the ad- 

 mirers of the flower, having been deceived so many times by beautiful pictures 

 and glowing descriptions, were willing to buy only where they could see the 

 varieties in bloom. As soon as the specialists realized this fact, they at once 

 joined hands with the amateurs, and the formation of the American Dahlia 

 Society was the gratifying result. 



It is the intention of the society to carefully classify all the existing va- 

 rieties, and make a meritorious list of all scoring a given number of points. 

 This will greatly increase the popularity of the plant, by restoring perfect 

 confidence in the varieties offered for sale. 



The society was organized solely in the interest of floriculture in general, 

 and not to make money, as may be seen from the fact that the yearly dues 

 are but one dollar. This subject was carefully considered, and it was decided 

 to make the society a popular one. 



It is also the desire of the National Society, to assist the formation of 

 Local Societies in every floral community, for the purpose of holding local 

 exhibitions during the Summer and Autumn months. True, there are 

 exhibitions in all the large cities during November, but the majority of 

 gardeners and amateurs are unable to compete, as they have no greenhouses 

 or other facilities for growing roses, chrysanthemums, carnations, and other 

 flowers during that season of the year. November is therefore too late for 



