6 THE DAHLIA. 



the proper qualifications. As soon as this fact was realized, interest was at 

 once aroused ; skilled specialists began producing exquisite varieties, and the 

 Dahlia entered on a new era of popularity. 



Not only have the older forms and classes been improved, but new types 

 have been produced for special purposes. The most important of these new 

 types are the Cactus and Decorative varieties, which, with their exquisite forms, 

 superb colors, beautifully blended shades and tints, have only to be seen to 

 become favorites with all. Dahlias are of the easiest culture, yet there are 

 drawbacks to their successful cultivation by the amateur. Many devote con- 

 siderable time and expense to their culture, and fail to get the best results, 

 simply because their well meant intentions were not beneficial, to say the 

 least. The Dahlia can be grown to perfection in every garden with but little 

 care and expense, if attention is given to its simple requirements. 



There are, however, no American works on the subject from which the 

 amateur can secure needed information, while foreign works are of little 

 value, owing to the difference in soil and climatic conditions. It is to supply 

 this long felt want and to enable every one to grow lovely Dahlias, even under 

 adverse conditions, that the writer presents this small treatise to the American 

 public. 



In the following chapters can be found, in a clear and concise form, such 

 information as has been gleaned from years of practical experience. Partic- 

 ular stress has been laid on several facts, especially upon the necessity of 

 frequent stirring of the surface soil to prevent excessive evaporation of 

 moisture. Many think the only necessity of cultivation is to keep down the 

 weeds ; but, positively, weeds do little more harm than hard baked surface soil. 

 The illustrations herein given speak volumes for themselves on this subject ; 

 they are all reproduced from photographs taken right out in a ten acre field, 

 Sept. 28, 1895, after a continuous drouth of nine weeks, and are intended 

 to show that Dahlias can be grown successfully, even under adverse condi- 

 tions, rather than what can be grown, all things favorable. It is the aim of 

 the writer to make the path to successful Dahlia culture so pleasant and easy 

 that all may wish to travel it, knowing full well that once they are planted 

 the pleasure derived will be so great that they will ever after be cultivated 

 and highly prized. Neither labor nor expense has been spared in making 

 this little treatise attractive, useful, and true to nature, that it may receive a 

 cordial welcome in every flower-loving home. 



