182 BRECK’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
By Divisions of the Root—This is the most common 
mode of propagation, unless it be with the nursery-man, who 
raises from cuttings to increase his stock rapidly. If the 
buds have not started, it is best to place the roots, or stools 
as they are called, in gentle heat, before they are divided ; 
or cover them over with a little earth, in a warm 
place, the beginning of May, so as to start the buds be- 
fore the roots are divided. Without this course, it will 
be impossible to divide the tubers so as to be sure of a 
bud on each; and without a bud a tuber is worthless. 
The buds having appeared, clean the roots from soil, and 
with a sharp knife divide the stool in such a manner that 
a bud may be secured to each division. The smallest 
tuber, with a bud, will make a strong plant. 
By Cuttings—This process requires so much care and 
attention, that I must refer my readers to works on the 
subject of propagation. 
Plants raised by cuttings have never succeeded so well 
with me as from divisions of the root. The reason may 
be, that in the propagation of new varieties, in the desire 
to realize as much as possible, weak shoots are taken, and 
forced so rapidly, and become so attenuated and weak- 
ened, that they never recover. True it is, that, after pay- 
ing extravagant prices for new sorts, I have frequently 
been disappointed in not having a single bloom; and, what 
is worse, the roots may not get strength enough to stand 
through the winter, even with the greatest care. 
Soil and Cultivation—Too much has been said and 
written upon the cultivation of the Dahlia. After follow- 
ing the directions given by various amateurs and writers, 
and after taking much pains and care in cultivation, I have 
been surprised to find that the refuse of my roots, planted 
without care, with very little manure, in yellow loamy soil, 
have far outstripped those on which more abundant pains 
had been bestowed. The Dahlia likes a humid atmosphere, 
