226 THE DAHLIA. 



2. The flower should form two-thirds of a ball when 

 looked at sideways. The row of petals should rise, one 

 above another, symmetrically : every petal should cover the 

 joining of the two petals under it, — what the florists call 

 imhricating, — by which means the circular appearance is 

 perfected throughoi^. 



3. The centre should be perfect : the unbloomed petals, 

 lying with their points towards the centre, should form a 

 button, and should be the highest part of the flower, com- 

 pleting the ball. 



4. The flower should be symmetrical. The petals should 

 open boldly, without showing their under-side, even when 

 half opened ; and should form circular rows, uniformly laid, 

 evenly opened, and enlarging by degrees to the outer row 

 of all. 



5. The flowers should be very double. The rows of 

 petals lying one above another should cover one another 

 very nearly : not more should be seen in depth than half 

 the breadth. The more they are covered, so as to leave them 

 distinct, the better in that respect : the petals, therefore, 

 though cupped, must be shallow. 



6. The size of the flower when well grown should be 

 four inches in diameter, and not more than six. 



