32 FAMILIAR GARDEN FLOWERS. 



blackened the tops, the roots are lifted and stored in dry 

 earth in any shed or cellar, in the same way as potatoes, for 

 they are as hardy as potatoes, and need no more care 

 for their safe keeping. 



Since the single dahlias have become popular, many 

 persons have taken to raise dahlias from seeds, a practice 

 that was left entirely to the florists previously. This is a 

 very simple proceeding. The seeds are sown in light, rich 

 soil, in February, and the young plants are raised on a hot- 

 bed or in a warm plant-house, and have careful nursing to 

 be stout and strong for planting- out in June. Dahlias 

 grow slowly for some time after being planted, and all the 

 slugs and snails in the parish will scent them, and taste 

 them if allowed. One settled mode of protecting them is 

 to provide a crop of lettuces on the ground, for the vermin 

 will feast on these and leave the dahlias alone, and in due 

 time the lettuces, having served their purpose, may be 

 taken away. 



