224 THE DAHLIA. 



article in an English magazine, which is the most satis- 

 factory statement of species we have seen. 



The frame culture of cyclamen is worth a trial in this 

 country. How charming it would be, if, as in England, we 

 could grow cyclamen like Neapolitan violets ! 



THE DAHLIA. 



This is still in England one of the most popular j3orists* 

 flowers, though in this country the hollyhock and gladiolus 

 have drawn away many of its admirers. The plant is a 

 native of Mexico ; and the original species, which are single- 

 rayed flowers, were introduced into cultivation about the 

 beginning of the present century. 



These are, however, long lost to cultivation, unless they 

 exist in botanic gardens ; and indeed, though rather pretty 

 and curious, are not, as species, especially desirable. The 

 chief species are D» scapigera, crocata, frustranea^ excelsa, 

 lutea, superflua, and BarJcerice ; and from these the florists' 

 flowers of the present day have sprjang. 



The dahlia thrives best in a rich, deep, friable soil, which 

 should be trenched, and well manured with thoroughly decom- 

 posed manure. The plants should be set out in the latter 



