92 TREATMENT. 



naturally damp, rich, of good depth, and on a dry bottom. The soil, 

 however, is rarely so good that it cannot be improved for the purpose 

 for which it is desired, and it is recommended that those who would 

 grow the Dahlia to perfection <*hould trench the ground in November, 

 previous to its being required, cy first removing the soil to the depth 

 of twelve inches, arid replacing it with equal portions of good yellow 

 loam and peat earth ; and then trenching it again to the depth of two 

 feet, mixing the original sub-soil an the loam and peat thoroughly 

 together, with a large quantity of staole manure, thoroughly decayed, 

 or it will be injurious. This may seem an expensive process, but once 

 done it will need no further preparation for many years, except the 

 occasional addition of manure. 



N. B. In a strong clay soil, enriched with well-decayed manure, 

 the Dahlia produces the largest flowers ; in alight soil, the plant grows 

 to a great size, but the flowers are comparatively small. 



TREATMENT. 



THOSE who hK,ve no hot bed wherein to start their Dahlias into a 

 growing state, may do so with equal success, and may obtain even 

 more vigorous and better-blooming plants than those which are 

 excited by artificial heat, by planting them in March or April in a box 

 of light soil or decayed leaves, keeping it in a moist state, and expos- 

 ing them to the full heat of the sun throughout the day, and taking 

 them in-doors at night. When tLe shoots are three or four inches 

 long, they may all, except one, be taken off close to the tuber, and 

 treated as slips ; but if you can divide the tuber into as many pieces 

 as there are shoots, it is to be preferred. 



Planting Out. 



There are few situations, in the Middle and Northern States, where 

 Dahlia plants can be planted out with safety before April, May, or the 

 early part of June. When the operation is performed, the plants, if on 

 beds by themselves, which is desirable, should be set in rows not less 



