THE DAHLIA. 43 



popular shows, and it is only in large towns and cities that they can be held 

 with even partial success. 



In speaking of this subject an amateur said : " Of course early 'shows 

 w r ould not be popular with the florists ; but as the florists have exhibitions 

 in November, why should not the people have exhibitions during the sum- 

 mer and e^rly autumn, when the garden can compare favorably with the 

 best of greenhouse establishments?" This is all true, except their not being 

 popular with florists. Whatever would increase popular interest in floricul- 

 ture would always be most pleasing to florists, and they would be only too 

 willing to exhibit and render every assistance possible to the holding of early 

 shows ; this is most evident from the fact that they could exhibit their finest 

 plants without danger of chilling, injury from gas, or other dangers, and at 

 a time when popular interest and demand would be greatest. If these early 

 shows were held throughout the country they would increase the interest in 

 floriculture and, perhaps, the Chrysanthemum exhibitions would be more 

 liberally patronized than during the past few years. 



The organizers of the ' ' American Dahlia Society ' ' were aware of the 

 lack of popular interest in the late shows, and believed it was, partly, because 

 the amateur could not grow and exhibit flowers at that season, and partly 

 because the exhibits were so stiff, formal and monotonous. Therefore they 

 do not advocate an exhibition of Dahlias only ; but, as the family is so large 

 and the range of colors, forms and habits so extensive, Dahlias are urged as 

 a nucleus around which can be gathered all the other gems of the garden, 

 conservatory and greenhouse. In exhibitions of this kind there is always 

 something new at every step, and no two shows are alike ; this with the 

 interest displayed by the amateur and gardener, who can compete for every 

 prize on equal terms with the large grower, imparts the greatest popular 

 interest, appreciation and enthusiasm. 



One of the chief attractions at these early shows, is the lack oi that 

 monotony so common at floral exhibitions held at a later date ; vases, hang- 

 ing baskets, festoons of wild flow r ers and vines, intermingle with the various 

 exhibits in an ever-changing, yet pleasing, manner ; while, here and there, 

 groups of large decorative plants break the outline, and the visitors behold 

 a charmingly distinct view at every turn. 



The new society realized the necessity of holding these early and popular 

 shows, and next September (1896) propose to give such a comprehensive 

 show as was never seen before. Skilled decorators will have charge of the 

 exhibition hall, and everything will be gracefully and artistically arranged to 

 give the most pleasing effect. Many new departures will be made in the 

 manner of exhibiting, while the prize list will be so arranged as to give 

 amateurs an equal chance with florists and growers, also with the view of 

 giving a beautiful, novel, and entirely distinct exhibition. 



