104 The Amateur's Book of the Dahlia 



is certain to make a straight stem. The others 

 are liable to grow outward at the angle at which 

 they had started. Such buds, however, must 

 be used if for any cause the central bud has been 

 blighted. I have been able to train the bud to 

 grow straight by the use of a waxed paper 

 lemonade-straw opened lengthwise put on as a 

 splint, and tied with fine thread. This process, 

 however, is so laborious and so often unsatis- 

 factory that I have given it up, preferring to rely 

 on another blooming stalk. 



Before the flower opens there appear at the 

 joints of the stem numerous little shoots, which 

 divert the strength intended for the bloom. 

 Break off each one carefully as soon as they ap- 

 pear, down to, but not including, the last joint 

 next the main branch. They snap off easily 

 next the stem. This last joint should be allowed 

 to remain when the flower is cut, and soon after 

 throws out two new blooming stalks. These may 

 in turn be treated in the same manner as the 

 original. 



If left, these little shoots form flower buds 

 and the stem will carry a spray of insignificant 

 blossoms in various stages, rather than the 

 large, dignified, and perfectly formed bloom 

 which is a joy to behold. 



This disbudding should be done every day if 



