280 FLOWERS OF GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE 
Several of the colour variations are given distinct names in seedsmen’s 
catalogues. There is a var. nana, differing from the type by its dwarf 
abit. 
C. VERTICILLATA (whorled). Stem furrowed, branched, 1 to 2 feet 
high. Leaves divided into very slender segments; in whorls. Flower- 
heads numerous, golden yellow, 1} inch across; June to September. 
Perennial, Introduced from the United States (1759). 
The annual species of Coreopsis should be grown 
much after the manner of hardy annuals in general. 
Seed may be sown in pans in frame or greenhouse some time in March, 
and the seedlings planted out in May, or sown in the open bed or border 
at the end of April, and the young plants thinned out. The perennials 
may also be propagated by seeds, but preferably by division of the plant 
in spring or autumn. Cuttings of the perennials may be freely struck 
in summer, by taking the young shoots and placing them in a cold 
frame. Ordinary garden soils suit all the species. The dwarfer kinds 
are suitable for bedding and edgings to borders, whilst the taller sorts 
should be confined to the border. 
Description of Portions of Coreopsis tinctoria, from three separate 
plants, to show colour variation. Fig. 1 is a section of the 
flower-head, and 2, a ray- and a disk-floret. 
Culture 
DAHLIAS 
Natural Order Composirm. Genus Dahlia 
DAHLIA (named in honour of Dr. Dahl, a pupil of Linnzeus; it should 
therefore be pronounced Dah-lia, not as commonly sounded, Day-lia). 
A small genus of herbaceous perennials, natives of Mexico and Central 
America. They are distinguished from other Composite plants by the 
fact that the involucre is double, one series of green bracts being turned 
down towards the stalk, whilst the other is pressed against the flower- 
head ; there is no pappus, but each floret has a dry, translucent bract at 
its base. The roots are fleshy and spindle-shaped. 
History, The horticultural history of the Dahlia is recent. 
Dahlia variabilis was discovered by Cervantes, the 
Director of the Mexican Botanic Gardens, and by him sent to his native 
ay (Spain) towards the end of last century. From this stock the 
Marchioness of Bute introduced the Dahlia to England in 1789, but the 
Specimens failed, as did a second supply obtained by Lady Holland in 
1804. These are said to have been lost, because it was thought that a 
