288 FLOWER GARDEN. 



Dahlias succeed best in an open situation, and in rich 

 loam; but there is scarcely any garden soil in which 

 they will not thrive, if well manured. They are, how- 

 ever, injured by being repeatedly planted on the same 

 spot. They may stand singly like common border flow- 

 ers, but have the most imposing appearance when seen 

 in masses arranged according to their stature. Old roots 

 often throw up a multitude of stems, which render thin- 

 ning necessary. As the plants increase in height, they 

 should be furnished with strong stakes, by being tied to 

 which they may withstand high winds. Dahlias gene- 

 rally continue to show their -flowers till they be inter- 

 rupted by frost in the end of autumn. The roots are 

 then taken up, dried, and stored in a cellar, or some 

 Qther place where they may- be secured from frost and 

 moisture. Early in the spring, the tubers of the finer 

 varieties are placed among leaf-mould on a hotbed, or 

 in boxes in a stove, to start them, as the gardeners 

 speak. When thus forwarded, they begin to flower in 

 July, or six weeks earlier than usual ; and cuttings 

 taken off" from such started tubers in April are sure to 

 form flowering plants in September. 



The Auricula (Primula Auricula) is a native of the 

 Alps and the Caucasus. It has long been an inmate of 

 our gardens, and has generally been a favorite with 

 those florists whose means and appliances are of a limit- 

 ed kind. Some of the most successful cultivators at 

 present are among the operatives in the vicinity of Man- 

 chester and Paisley. 



Besides the double varieties, which have never been 

 in much repute. Auriculas are classed under two divi- 

 sions : the Selfs or plain-colored, and the variegated, or 

 painted sorts. Professed florists confine their attention 



