THE DAHLIA. 



11 



UNIQUE DAHLIA FORM 



The plant is a strong, robust grower, and such a gross feeder that it will grow in any kind of soil 

 if given proper nutriment. To illustrate how readily they will grow and bloom, where large 

 clumps are used, I will give an experience we had a few years ago. 



After planting our Dahlias and while cleaning up the cellar I came across some very large 

 clumps that had been set aside. Finding that they were mixed roots, and having planted all we 

 wished, I ordered them to be thrown on the waste pile, which was to be hauled away to help 

 fill up a large washout. I had intended to have this washout filled up at once, but we were 

 all busy and it went on until July, when, happening along one day, I saw several beautiful 

 blooms of the Dahlia, "Mrs. Dexter." To say I was surprised is putting it mildly. Several loads 

 of all liinds of rubbish had beeen dumped right down on the hard, yellow subsoil bottom, and 

 growing here without any attention the plants were strong and vigorous, while the flowers were 

 as fine as I ever saw. It had been a wet season, and as the shoots from the large clumps were 

 so strong, they came through nearly two feet of trash, growing luxuriantly. 



^ 



■y 



