SINGLE DAHLIA. 



DahVui variabilis. 



Kb- ASH ION brings into opera- 



tion principles that are at 

 once shallow, subtle, and 

 complex. Previous to the 

 year 18S0 single dahlias 

 were not in high repute, 

 and, in fact, were scarcely 

 known. Then, like some 

 sky-rockets properly made 

 and effectually lighted, 

 they soared upwards, shed- 

 ding new light on society, 

 and, by a false glitter, filling 

 the sky with imitation stars. 

 Well, " It is an ill wind," 

 &c. The suddenly-acquired 

 popularity of the single 

 dahlias drew attention to 

 the double dahlias, which 

 at that time were under a 

 cloud, and immediate results 

 were the formation - of the 

 National Dahlia Society, 

 and the holding of a series of annual exhibitions in the 

 Crystal Palace, Sydenham, for the advancement, not of 



