46 The Dahlia 



each bud in a very thin muslin bag, which should, of 

 course, be large enough to allow the bud to swell, 

 the neck being tied firmly round the flower-stalk. A 

 more recent and extensively adopted plan is that of 

 tying a piece of cotton wool round the flower-stalk, 

 with the loose end downwards. Insects will hardly 

 cross this barrier. Caterpillars and small slugs do a 

 great deal of damage, and hide in the flowers by day. 

 Hand-picking is the only remedy in this case. 



PROTECTING THE BLOOMS 



This brings the cultivation of the Dahlia to that 

 point where preparation for exhibiting may be made, 

 and that will be discussed in another article. 



In the foregoing remarks the Dahlia has been dealt 

 with chiefly as grown for exhibition, in which case 

 neither time nor labour are grudged provided success 

 be attained. The grower who cultivates it merely for 

 garden decoration may follow the instructions given 

 just to what extent he pleases. He may allow his 

 plants to grow in a more natural way, so far as 

 thinning is concerned. Very good results are often 

 had with little trouble ; but, all the same, a little 

 attention always brings its own reward. 



About ten days before the flower is wanted for 

 show, it will require shading from the sun, and possibly 

 rain. This can be done in several ways. One rough- 

 and-ready method is to nail a chocolate box (without 

 the lid) on the end of a stake, securing the flower to 

 prevent it beating against the side of the box. 

 Another way is to make a frame of wire or wood, 

 the same shape as the roof of a house, and stretch 



