BDLBOUS-ROOTBD FLOWERS. 319 



not readily affected by drought, nor surcliarged with water. 

 Varieties that have been in cultivation long enough to enable the 

 cultivator to obtain a stock of tubers, are usually sent out in the 

 dormant or just starting tuber, but new and scarce varieties 

 are received in the growing state, in small pots. IsTeither the 

 tubers nor the plants should be set out in the open ground mi*'a 

 all danger from frost is past, and as the stalk grows it should be 

 tied to a tall stake. They will give better satisfaction if planted 

 where they will be sheltered from very high winds, which often 

 injure the plants severely. After the autumn frosts have killed 

 the foliage, the stalk should be cut off just above the ground, 

 the tubers taken up and removed to a dry, frost-proof ceUar. 

 Those who have a green-house can keep them very weU under 

 the stage. Two things are to be avoided, keeping them so dry 

 and warm that the tubers shrivel, and keeping them so cold and 

 damp that the stalk or crown rots. The eyes or buds are at the 

 base of the stalk or on the neck of the tuber, and if these buds be 

 destroyed the Dahlia will not grow, for though the tuber be 

 ever so sound, there are no eyes or buds upon that, and it has 

 no means of growth. Hence it is important that the part where 

 these eyes are situate shoiild be kept sound. 



Dahlias are propagated by division of the tuber, taking care 

 that each piece has an eye or bud upon it ; also by cuttings of 

 the young shoots, which are taken off when an inch or two in 

 length, and rooted in bottom heat. As soon as they are well 

 rooted they are planted in small pots, and kept in a frame or in 

 the green-house until the weather wiU admit of their being 

 planted in the open ground. 



New sorts are raised from seed, usually sown in pots is. 

 spring, and afterwards transplanted. Most of these will be likely 

 to prove worthless, yet in the hands of the skilful florist some 

 choice flowers are very sure to be produced, and for a time com- 

 mand a high price. As new flowers are, in this way, being con- 

 stantly produced, it is better that the intending purchaser should 

 make his selection from the lists that are offered in the cata- 



