88 REQUISITES OF A PERFECT FLOWEK. 



after the peace of 1815, that it became an object of professional 

 care, when a supply was obtained in England, from France, where its 

 cultivation had already be'en carried to some extent; since which 

 period, an indefinite number of varieties has been procured by the per- 

 severing ingenuity of the florist, and a monomania for this flower 

 existed for many years unsurpassed in inveteracy, save by the extra- 

 ordinary " Tulipomania" of the seventeenth century. This has in 

 some degree subsided, and the Dahlia is taking its proper rank as a 

 deservedly esteemed flower, blooming at a season of the year when 

 the number of flowering plants in the open garden is very limited. 



The name of Dahlia was given to it in honor of Dahl, a Swedish 

 botanist and a pupil of Linnseus ; there was an attempt to change it 

 to G-eorgina, and on the continent this has prevailed to a considerable 

 extent ; but in England and this country, it has been entirely rejected. 



REQtnSITES OP A PERFECT FLOWER. 



The following characteristics are agreed upon by the London Flori- 

 cultural Society as necessary to the perfection of the Dahlia :— 



1st. The general form should be that of about two thirds of a sphere, 

 or globe. The rows of petals forming this globe should describe un- 

 broken circles, lying over each other with evenness and regularity, 

 and gradually diminishing until they approach the top. The petals 

 comprising each succeeding row should be spirally arranged and alter- 

 nate, like the scales of the fir cone, thereby conceaUng the joints and 

 making the circle more complete. 



2d. The petals should be broad at the ends, perfectly free from notch 

 or indention of any kind, firm in substance, and smooth in texture. 

 They should be bold and free, and gently cup, but never curl or quill, 

 nor show the under sides ; they should be of uniform size, and evenly 

 expanded in each row, being largest in the outer rows, and gradually 

 and proportionately diminishing until they approach the summit, when 

 they should gently turn the reverse way, pointing towards and form- 

 ing a neat and close centre. 



