STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 93 



most satisfactory method of propagation and the one followed 

 as far as possible by all growers. As the eyes are not on the 

 tubers, but on the crown to which the tuber is attached, care 

 must be taken to see that each tuber has at least one eye. It 

 is therefore best to start the eyes by placing the clump of tubers 

 in a warm, moist place a short time before dividing them. 

 Some people let the shoots get considerable size before setting 

 them out as plants. I find that by placing the tubers in the 

 ground direct, I get better, stronger plants than when I start 

 them in the house. In buying Dahlias it is always wise to give 

 strong field roots the preference, as they give better results 

 the first year. 



Many grow Dahlias from seed as an experiment, yet seeds 

 are generally planted to produce new varieties only. Growing 

 from seed is very fascinating owing to the uncertainty, as seeds 

 do not reproduce the variety true to type, and then you may 

 possibly get a new variety. 



Plant Cactus, Show, Fancy and Single varieties three to four 

 feet apart ; Pompons two to two and one-half feet apart. Plant 

 from four to six inches deep, according to soil and location, and 

 cover from one to two inches at time of planting. Allow but 

 one stalk to grow, and as it grows draw the soil in around it till 

 the ground is level, but do not hill up. Pinching tall growing 

 varieties just above the ground causes the plants to branch at 

 the surface, thus making a stronger and more compact plant. 

 Some growers use this branching system and consider staking 

 unnecessary. However, staking securely is the surest protec- 

 tion against wind. 



The plant will grow^ very rapidly and must be kept thoroughly 

 free from weeds, the ground kept fine and mellow by frequent 

 stirrings. Never allow a crust to form around the plants. 

 Cease all deep cultivation before the plants come into bloom, 

 and do not again stir the soil deeper than one inch, as immense 

 quantities of feeding roots would be destroyed. Frequent stir- 

 ring prevents excessive evaporation of moisture and keeps the 

 under soil cool and moist. When the plants begin to bloom a 

 heavy mulching of fine decomposed stable dressing will be found 

 very beneficial, as it will help to make flowers instead of foliage 

 as is often the case where the ground is made too rich at time 

 of planting. If the supply of nourishment becomes exhausted. 



