THE DAHLIA. 



27 



SNOW-WHITE SHOW DAHLIA— STORM KING ( BLIZZARD ) 



From photograph taken of a specimen plant in full bloom. Grown under the single-stem branching system, 



as described herein 



from being blown down by heavy winds, but how much more beautiful is a field or collection 

 of Dahlias in full bloom without stakes. The system of staking is not only unsightly during the 

 early stage of their growth, but is attended with considerable labor and expense. Staking, 

 however, is unnecessary if the directions already given on page 26 are followed, as the plants 

 will branch out at the surface of the ground and the stems will become so heavy as to resist the 

 strongest winds. It may not be out of place to add that this is the best method for growing 

 Dahlias, as the plants are one-third dwarfer, compact and regular in form, and produce much 

 finer flowers on long stems well supplied with buds and foliage. 



Watering. — This is a debatable subject, and although a judicious application of water during 

 a severe dry spell is very beneficial, yet in nine cases out of every ten where water is applied a 

 thorough stirring of the surface soil would give better results; not that I am opposed to watering 

 where it can be done thoroughly and conveniently, but it is much better and easier to save the 

 moisture already in the soil than it is to put moisture in the soil artificially after nature's supply 

 has been wasted. The soil acts as capillary tubes, thus drawing the moisture to the surface, 

 where, if unchecked, it is rapidly evaporated. If the surface is stirred this waste is prevented, 

 as the dry loose soil completely seals those small tubes, and the moisture is held in reserve beneath 

 until it is required and removed by the plant. It is really astonishing how long Dahlias will with- 

 stand the drought if they are not planted too closely and the soil is properly stirred. 



