JHE DAHLIA, OR GEORGINA a7 
more common in our gardens. L. Japonicum, longiflorum, 
and lancifolium, in which the genus attains its greatest 
magnificence, unfortunately require a finer climate than 
ours, and some bulbs of these should, therefore, be grown in 
pots under glass, but others may be risked in a sheltered 
border. 
. The Gladioli or corn-flags are extremely ornamental. 
The Cardinal Lily (Gladiolus cardinalis) well deserves the 
name of superb: when seen in flower in masses, the effect 
is truly brilliant, In order to success, it must be grown in 
tufts, and the tufts should be left undisturbed for successive 
years; “ the old skins of the decayed bulbs permitting the 
wet to drain away, and preventing the earth from lying 
elose and heavy on the new bulbs,” as observed by the 
late eminent Mr.. Herbert. A little litter of any sort 
thrown over the bed affords sufficient protection during the 
winter. 
. Omitting Crocus, Fritilaria, and other bulbous genera, 
which are sometimes treated as florists’ flowers, we proceed 
to one of the prime ornaments of the autumnal flower 
garden, the Dahlia, or Georgina, as it is called by some 
writers. 
The Dahiia (of which there are two principal species, 
D. variabilis and coccinea) is a native of Mexico, from which 
it was introduced in 1789, but afterwards lost by our cul- 
tivators. It was re-introduced in 1804 ; but it was not 
till ten years later that it was generally known in our gar- 
dens. The first plants were single, of a pale, purple color, 
and though interesting, as affording a new form of floral 
ornament, they by no means held forth a promise of the 
infinite diversity of tint and figure exhibited by their 
double-flowered successors. At present the varieties are 
endless, each district of the country possessing suites of its 
