intro&urttnn 



THE progress made in floriculture in America during recent years is almost past comprehen- 

 sion. Great floral establishments, aggregating hundreds, if not thousands, of acres of 

 glass, have been reared with marvelous rapidity. Hundreds of thousands of acres are 

 annually devoted exclusively to the cultivation of flowers. Thousands of horticultural clubs and 

 societies have been formed for the purpose of holding exhibitions and further developing flori- 

 culture, with most gratifying results. Everywhere greater attention is given, not only to the 

 flower garden, but the floral decorations of the lawn. Nor does this interest stop with the 

 autumn frosts and wintry blasts. Flowers are so greatly appreciated that conservatories are 

 erected and window gardens are prepared, that blooming plants may always be near to gladden 

 the heavy hearts and revive the drooping spirit when troubles come or cares oppress. They are 

 rapidly becoming such a necessary luxury that many cannot and will not be content without 

 them. They are, indeed, the joy alike of the rich and the poor, the old and the young; in success 

 or in adversity they are ever our friends, gratefully repaying our small attentions with their 

 profusion of bloom. 



At the beginning of each year we dream of delightful grounds and- beautiful flowers — 

 flowers for all purposes — flowers so beautiful that our homes promise to be, indeed, a para- 

 dise of surpassing loveliness. Our dreams are more than realized during May and June, when we 

 find roses, flowering shrubs, and bulbs in endless variety, to say nothing of other flowers, bloom- 

 ing everywhere in the greatest profusion. But our dreams do not last. June and our flowers, at 

 least most of them, bid us adieu. It is now that we need a first-class flower that will fill our 

 empty vases, beautify our lawns ; in fact a flower that will completely fill the space between roses 

 and chrysanthemums, when other good flowers are not plentiful. Flower after flower has been 

 tried until at last it'became evident that the "Dahlia" was the only flower having the proper quali- 

 fications. As soon as this fact was realized, interest was at once aroused; skilled specialists 

 began producing exquisite varieties, and the Dahlia entered on a new era of popularity. 



Not only have the older forms and classes been improved, but new types have been produced 

 for special purposes. The most important of these nev/ types are the Cactus, Decorative and 

 Paeony Flowering varieties, which, with their exquisite forms, superb colors, beautifully blended 

 shades and tints, have only to be seen to become favorites with all. Dahlias are of the easiest 

 culture; yet there are drawbacks to their successful cultivation hy the amateur. Many devote 



