8 THE DAHLIA. 



they had reached what they thought was perfection in those types, ceased to 

 strive after new varieties and forms, but continued to grow and offer the 

 same varieties from year to year. This was followed by a decline in the 

 demand for roots, as some had become tired of the stiff form of the old varie- 

 ties, and others having a complete collection of what was offered, began to 

 look to other flowers for something new. Under these conditions, which 

 were brought about by the florists themselves, the Dahlia received less and 

 less attention as the years went by. In fact, this neglect went so far that at 

 last it was almost impossible to secure good varieties true to name. To 

 illustrate, I will give a few instances out of the many that has been brought 

 to my attention. In one instance three growers offered the same variety 

 under three different names, while in another case one variety was 

 sent out under nineteen different names by the same concern. I, myself, 

 a few years ago, bought five large collections from as many different firms 

 and in some cases had several varieties under the same name, and in others 

 had the same variety under several different names, while many varieties 

 were entirely worthless. Of course we must be charitable enough to believe 

 it was carelessness only, yet such neglect is almost criminal when we consider 

 its evil results. 



Fortunately, however, during this time the Dahlia was undergoing a 

 complete transformation in Europe, especially in Kngland, where new types 

 and forms were being produced to conform to the prevalent demand for loose, 

 graceful flowers. The term "loose" is not used to denote semi-double or 

 open center flowers, but to distinguish them from the solid compact form of 

 the old varieties. Some of these new Cactus and Decorative varieties are 

 marvels of superb beauty, not only in form, but in their beautiful shades, 

 tints and exquisite finish. 



As soon as some of these finer varieties were introduced, interest was at 

 once revived, and as a result we now have specialists who equal, at least, 

 the foreign growers in the production of superior varieties. But owing to 

 the decadence of the Dahlia trade, through multiplicity of names and in- 

 feriority of varieties, it soon became evident to these specialists that they 

 must work together, shoulder to shoulder, if they wished to thoroughly 

 popularize the Dahlia. At the suggestion of several amateur admirers of 

 the Dahlia, one of these specialists undertook the formation of a national 

 society, and the " American Dahlia Society," which is fully described in a 

 succeeding chapter, was the gratifying result. 



That the proper course was taken is conclusively proven from the fact 

 that in the past three years the demand has increased fully twenty-five per 

 cent, each year, and that the demand was mainly for new and distinct varie- 

 ties ; while the seedsmen and florists are at last awakened to the necessity of 

 offering only the best varieties true to name. Dahlias now form part of the 



