THE DAHLIA. 49 



CHAPTER X 



DAHLIA EXHIBITIONS. 



NO FLOWER is better adapted for exhibition purposes than the Dahlia, which fact is 

 fully appreciated in England where Dahlia shows not only exceed the chrysanthemum 



shows in number, but in surpassing beauty and popularity. In England, France, and 

 Germany, but especially in England, Dahlias are universally grown by all classes, and almost 

 every town and hamlet as well as the large cities, have a Dahlia show of their own. The^re, 

 in almost every garden, can be found the most beautiful varieties, grown especially for the local 

 Dahlia exhibition, where the titled gentleman and his humblest laborer compete on equal terms 

 for the same prizes. Nor does the humbler man compete in vain, for, in many cases, he wins 

 the prize for which he has striven so hard. As the Dahlia requires no special conditions or 

 greenhouses, it is entirely a matter of science and skill, and there is everywhere such a strong, 

 yet friendly, competition, as to arouse the greatest popular interest and enthusiasm. 



How different in America. Here we have few shows during the summer and early autumn 

 months ; but, early in November, there comes such a deluge of Chrysanthemum shows as to 

 almost bewilder us. Our florists and horticulturists seem to think the Chrysanthemum the only 

 flower worthy of an exhibition ; and, then complain because the masses do not agree with them. 

 The November Chrysanthemum shows are losing in popularity, simply because the masses are 

 not interested in a flower they cannot grow ; they admire them, but, lacking interest, do not 

 care to see about the same thing from year to year. 



Somehow our leading horticulturists do not realize this, for they are now discussing this 

 monotony of, and lack of interest in, the flower shows. They attribute it to the system as may 

 be seen from the following quotation : "The next question is, how to get the masses to lend 

 us their eyes and ears. The present system seems to fall short somewhere, and is pretty near a 

 failure." 



The first thing is to have every local horticultural society become affihated with the Amer- 

 ican Dahha Society and give early Autumn shows. Not for Dahlias alone but include all 

 flowers and decorative plants; which, with the "Autumn foliage" give the greatest range and 

 possibilities. This is particularly advisable as in case of local climatic or other unfavorable con- 

 ditions, an appeal to the American -Dahlia Society would result in aid from growers in more 

 favorable districts. 



For Summer and early Autumn shows, especially in small cities, towns, and even country 

 villages, the Dahlia ofifers great possibilities, as it requires no special condition and can be 

 grown to perfection in every garden, with but little trouble and expense. In this respect, it 

 has no equal, and can truly be called the flower for the masses, as its superb beauty can be 

 as fully developed in the workingman's garden as on the more pretentious grounds of his 

 more fortunate neighbors. 



Not only in halls are exhibitions to be made, but nearly all the large growers have trial 

 or show beds. Many think a Dahlia exhibition should be given inside with cut flowers, but 

 the grandest exhibition I ever saw was two years ago, when we had a half-million disbudded 

 flowers open, to say nothing of the millions that were not disbudded over an area of one hun- 

 dred and twenty acres. We had anticipated a great season, but under the current conditions 

 caused by the outbreak of the great war, there was not sufflcient demand and I only wish 

 every reader could have seen that magnificent exhibition, which I hope we may never see again 

 as it meant the loss of thousands of dollars. However it was appreciated by many thousands 

 of visitors. 



