104 



GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



Riding (scarlet), Cecilia (yellow), Salome (buff apricot), Holman 

 Hunt (crimson), and Mrs. T. G. Baker (white). The Pompons 

 and many of the single varieties are equally suitable for 

 massing, especially the self-coloured sorts, for most of them 

 possess a fine sturdy habit. Those who contemplate using 

 the Dahlia for this purpose should pay a visit to one of the 

 nurseries where the Dahlia is a speciality. They could then 

 make a selection for the purpose, for they could see the plants 



_ . 



v 



FIG. io. Preparations for obtaining Dahlia Cuttings and the Mode of Increase 

 by Division of Roots. 



growing in quantity and so obtain the exact colours they 

 need. 



The Propagation of Dahlias This is not a difficult task, 

 providing a few essential points are observed. If weakened by 

 improper treatment while in their first stages of growth, the 

 plants rarely turn out well during the summer months. The 

 storing of the tubers in the winter time will not tax the resources 

 of any establishment if there is ordinary accommodation, such 

 as dry rooms, cellars, and outhouses, from which frost can be 

 excluded. All tubers brought out from damp cellars or store- 

 rooms must be very carefully examined, as fungus sometimes 

 grows round the base of the old stem, and it then kills the 

 new bud or buds, which would, in a healthy tuber, grow and 

 form young shoots fit for cuttings. I may here mention that 

 the crowns of all old tubers, when stored, should be covered 

 with pure sand. 



