THE DAHLIA. 



MME. J. COISSARD, 

 The ideal type of Duplex Dahlias and the best variety to date 



growers offered the same variety under three different names, while in another case one variety 

 was sent out under nineteen different names by the same concern. I, myself, a few years ago, 

 bought five large collections from as many different firms, and in some cases had several varie- 

 ties under the same name, and in others had the same variety under several different names, 

 while many varieties were entirely worthless. Of course we must be charitable enough to believe 

 it was carelessness only, yet such neglect is almost criminal when we consider its evil results. 



Fortunately, however, during this time the Dahlia was undergoing a complete transforma- 

 tion in Europe, especially in England, where new types and forms were being produced to 

 conform to the prevalent demand for loose, graceful fiowers. The term "loose" is not used to 

 denote semi-double or open center flowers, but to distinguish them from the solid compact form, 

 of the old varieties. 



The cactus was first in the form of Juarezzi, which was called a cactus Dahlia on account 



