264 THE GOLD MINE 



frost creeping in, take a box, line it with paper, wrap up 

 your roots in paper and carefully " store them away. 

 Throw loose paper on the top and put some old blanket 

 over them. 



They should be planted as early in the spring as it 

 will do, about the first of May. Put them in about 

 four inches deep. 



They are rank feeders and do best on the richest 

 ground. If you cannot water them thoroughly, then 

 irrigate with the hoe, by giving the best of cultivation. 



Dahlias love the sun and cannot thrive in the shade, 

 SO' give them a good chance. 



SUPPORTS. 



Usually frames are made. for them, but for extensive 

 cultivation this is not feasible. Instead, they are se- 

 verely trimmed. When the branches appear cut them 

 back as you would in planting a young apple tree. This 

 makes them grow more stocky. I find this system 

 works well where they stand in exposed places. They 

 adjust themselves to the winds like a tree out in the 

 pasture. But if they are planted rather close in seclud- 

 ed places the stems will be weak and they, must have 

 supports. 



VARIETIES. 



There are two general divisions, the single and double, 

 and these again are subdivided. 



Tlie doubles are grouped in sections something like 

 the following: 



The Cactus — These have peculiar petals quilled and 



