160 The Amateurs Book of the Dahlia 



chopped off their heads and stuck their necks 

 in cream bottles set in rows. No man or woman 

 who appreciates the beauty and dignity of a 

 dahlia will show them other than on the long 

 stems which God gave them. 



The most effective way of arranging the ex- 

 hibits is on two-tier frames, the lower front 

 shelf being about four feet high and the rear 

 shelf a foot higher, each shelf about eighteen 

 inches wide, able to hold two rows of vases. The 

 taller vase of each row, being behind, thus ar- 

 ranges the blooms in four tiers, each showing 

 just above the other. These shelves are merely 

 two boards each of rough lumber laid on horses, 

 which can be folded up and stored in small space 

 when not in use. Cover them with dull- green 

 burlap cut to fit. The covers can also be marked 

 and folded away with the boards. 



As all this can be used year after year, the 

 first cost is the only expense entailed. 



In most amateur shows, or shows held in 

 smaller communities, the exhibitor supplies his 

 own vases. If, however, the show committee 

 supplies them, they can also be stored with the 

 lumber and burlap. They should be tall and 

 slender, of two heights, eight and twelve inches; 

 purchased wholesale, they cost five cents a piece 

 no more than the hideous milk bottle. 



