134 CUT FLOWERS. 



fresh for two weeks in a cool house if it is kept moderately dry 

 and shaded. 



Dressing the Blooms. — This is a necessary operation, and is 

 practised more or less by all successful exhibitors. It consists 

 in arranging, with suitable instruments, any florets that are 

 out of place, extracting an eye, and pulling out any rough or 

 damaged petals. This is best performed by the operator 

 fastening the flower securely in the cup in which it is to be 

 exhibited, and then deftly removing the eye and rough petals 

 with a sharp-pointed knife and a suitable pair of tweezers. 

 The florets should next be properly manipulated so as to look 

 as even, neat, and perfect as possible. The Japanese do not 

 require much dressing, but damaged florets and an ej'e when 

 it appears should be removed, after which the bloom should 

 be turned upside down and gently shaken, which is all it 

 requires. Anemone-flowered should have badly formed disc 

 florets taken out, and misplaced ray florets put into position. 

 Reflexed flowers should also receive the needful dressing by 

 removing imperfect and notched petals, and arranging the 

 flower smoothly and shapely. All boards, cups, tubes, and 

 boxes should bo ready when wanted to save hurry at the last 

 moment. 



The chief points of merit are : (1.) Size ; (2.) symmetry ; 

 and (3.) colour. Smoothness of outline and regularity in the 

 disposition of the petals are imperative qualities in Incurved 

 and Reflexed blooms. In the Japanese varieties the blooms 

 should be large, full, and regular in outline, the length, 

 breadth, and artistic curl in the petals being also important 

 points in adjudicating on certain varieties. 



DAHLIA. 



This showy autumn-flowering plant has been long a special 

 favourite with the florist, who has brought the ilowers to a 

 wonderful state of symmetry and perfection. The Show and 

 Fancy Dahlias have been rather hard pressed for some years 

 in public esteem by their beautiful rivals, the Single, Cactus, 

 and Decorative varieties ; but popular taste is again leaning 



