Middlesex HorlicuUiiral Sociel}j. 177 



are the several laws pertaining to matter, in the varied depart- 

 ments of nature. 



The dahHa is a flower of great uncertainty in flowering, so 

 that it is best to possess a considerable number of kinds, to 

 secure a continuance of bloom. It requires a rich, deep, and 

 moist soil, and should be planted out either quite early or quite 

 late; the first for early bloom, and the last for succession. In 

 New York, and on the Hudson, the dahlia dis])lays its bloom 

 at the very time in June when we here are told to plant out 

 our roots. There can be no good reason why ours should 

 not do so; but for this result we must have recourse to early 

 forcing. The dry weather of summer is unfavorable to the 

 buds, and therefore the late planting is on the whole prefer- 

 able. Should your plant show a ^ew early flowers, and then 

 stand stiil about mid-summer, cut it down to the first joint, 

 and it will immediately push again for a new flowering. This 

 is not only a valuable hint, but one founded on actual experi- 

 ment. 



The dahlia is subject to numerous foes, both animal and 

 vegetable. Of the latter, a most dangerous and destructive 

 to its healthy foliage, is mildew. This arises from lack of 

 moisture, and will never appear if the plants are well watered. 

 When it comes on, frequent sprinkling over the foliage will 

 check it, and expand the flower buds at the same time. Of 

 insects, the most annoying is a cut-worm, which penetrates 

 the stem, and saps its energy. Use the knife vigorously, and 

 extirpate the foe. 



The dahlia is also subject to great variation in its flowers. 

 Take, for instance, the Striata formosissima, and in different 

 exposures it will have different blooms. I possess a plant on 

 which the blossoms were all of one color. Such, also, was 

 the case, a few years since, widi a magnificent variety, Lev- 

 ick's Incomparable. Various theories have been formed to 

 explain for this: some, say soil; some, shade; and some one 

 thing, some another. It will probably remain a mystery, 

 among the hidden laws of vegetation. 



The botanical department of floriculture has received an 

 addition to its treasures in the Dahlm repens, first flowered 

 in this vicinity by T. Lee, Esq., of Brookline, and imported, 

 by seed, by J. W. Boott, Esq. Prof. Lindley anticipates, 

 by cross impregnation, to produce, in time, a new series of 

 beautiful double flowers, of low stature and elegant foliage, 

 and which will be a great ornament to the flower border. 



VOL. VII. NO. V. 23 



