THE DAHLIA 219 



all small in numbers, but they have their interest, and command 

 a certain number of admirers. 



As we have referred at some length to the various sections, 

 we may complete the subject by giving selections of varieties in 

 each, before proceeding to discuss culture. To some extent such 

 selections can only have a passing value, inasmuch as new varieties 

 are constantly appearing, and so far as exhibition growers are 

 concerned it is very important to keep in touch with the novelties. 

 Still, hints as to choice of sorts will be of service to two large 

 classes those who grow for garden decoration, and those who 

 are beginning Dahlia cultivation, for whatever purpose. It is not 

 nearly so important for garden growers to buy novelties as it is 

 for exhibitors to do so; indeed, the former class will be wise to 

 make changes with caution. When it has found varieties which 

 are of real garden worth sorts of good habit as well as of beauty 

 of bloom it must keep to them until it has real proof that the 

 latest sorts have more than mere perfection of flower or freshness 

 of colour to recommend them ; it must not cast them out in favour 

 of a costly novelty on no better ground than that the latter looks 

 nice on a show board. Many make this mistake. How, it may 

 be asked, can it acquire knowledge without growing the sorts? 

 Well, lovers of Dahlias generally get into touch with each other 

 somehow. Experiences are exchanged. Information is dissemi- 

 nated through the National Dahlia Society, and through the horti- 

 cultural press. New Dahlias are seen at the different nurseries, 

 and notes can be taken of their behaviour in these places. 



Speaking broadly, the amateur must not expect too much of 

 Show and Fancy Dahlias as garden plants pure and simple. He 

 should expect to get his best garden effects from the Cactus, 

 Pompon, single, and Paeony-flowered sections. There are, how- 

 ever, some large double Dahlias which are good from the garden 

 as well as the exhibition point of view, and those shall have places 

 in our lists. 



