224 THE DAHLIA. 



article in an English magazine, which is the most satis- 

 factory statement of species we have seen. 



The frame culture of cyclamen is worth a trial in this 

 country. How charming it would be, if, as in England, we 

 could grow cyclamen like Neapolitan violets ! 



THE DAHLIA. 



This is still in England one of the most popular florists' 

 flowers, though in this country the hollyhock and gladiolus 

 have drawn away many of its admirers. The plant is a 

 native of Mexico ; and the original species, which are single- 

 rayed flowers, were introduced into cultivation about the 

 beginning of the present century. 



These are, however, long lost to cultivation, unless they 

 exist in botanic gardens ; and indeed, though rather pretty 

 and curious, are not, as species, especially desirable. The 

 chief species are D. scapigera, crocata, frustranea^ excelsa, 

 lutea, superflua, and Barlcerice ; and from these the florists' 

 flowers of the present day have sprung. 



The dahlia thrives best in a rich, deep, friable soil, which 

 should be trenched, and well manured with thoroughly decom- 

 posed manure. The plants should be set out in the latter 



