6 THE DAHLIA. 



considerable time and expense to their culture, and fail to get the best results, simply because 

 their well meant intentions were not beneficial, to say the least. The Dahlia can be grown to 

 perfection in every garden with but little care and expense, if attention is given to its simple 

 requirements. 



There are, however, few American works on the subject from which the amateur can 

 secure needed information, while fbreign works are of little value, owing to the difference in 

 soil and climatic conditions. It is to supply this long felt want and to enable every one to grow 

 lovely Dahlias, even under adverse conditions, that the writer presents this small treatise to the 

 American public. 



In the following chapters can be found, in a clear and concise form, such information as 

 has been gleaned from years of practical experience. Particular stress has been laid on several 

 facts, especially upon the necessity of frequent stirring of the surface soil to prevent excessive 

 evaporation of moisture. Many think the only necessity of cultivation is to keep down the weeds ; 

 but, positively, weeds do little more harm than hard baked surface soil. The illustrations herein 

 given speak volumes for themselves on this subject; the field views and specimen plants are 

 reproduced from photographs taken right out in the field; in many cases after long periods of 

 extended drought, and are intended to show that Dahlias can be grown successfully, even under 

 adverse conditions, rather than zvhat can be grown, all things favorable. It is the aim of the 

 writer to make the path to successful Dahlia culture so pleasant and easy that all may wish to 

 travel it, knowing full well that once they are planted the pleasure derived will be so great that 

 they will ever after be cultivated and highly prized. Neither labor nor expense has been spared 

 in making this little treatise attractive, useful, and true to nature, that it may receive a, cordial 

 welcome in every flower-loving home. 



