94 The Amateur's Booh of the Dahlia 



enough when the plants have been deeply rooted, 

 and that inteUigent and systematic feeding will 

 produce the finest results. 



The bonemeal, having decayed during the 

 winter, is being assimilated by the young roots as 

 they grow. It gives the whole plant vigour and a 

 sturdy constitution. This, with the leaf mould, 

 is all the actual plant food needed in the soil. 



However, if we wish specially fine blooms for 

 shows, for home decoration, or a mass of colour 

 for garden effect, the dahlias must be stimulated 

 to do their utmost — ^they must have a tonic. 



In the middle of August — about six weeks 

 before the dahlia shows commence — a small 

 quantity of sheep or hen manure is given to each 

 plant, governed according to its individual need. 

 Hen manure should be used fresh and mixed with 

 a nearly equal amount of sand before applying. 



Draw the soil away from the roots, making a 

 basin about four inches deep and fifteen inches 

 across. Into this scatter one half a troweKul 

 of pulverized sheep manure, or double the 

 quantity of hen manure when mixed with sand. 

 Pour very slowly over this a large bucketful of 

 water and allow it to soak. When the water 

 has disappeared, a second bucketful may be 

 poured in; and later the dry soil is replaced in 

 the basin to act as a mulch. The water carries 



