108 The Amateur's Book of the Dahlia 



At this time we realize the necessity of three 

 or four feet of space. Sometimes it is almost 

 impossible to pass between the plants — and woe 

 to any woman with vanity enough to wear a 

 hairnet! 



Disbudding vigorously serves many purposes. 

 It increases the size, of course; but what is far 

 more important, it brings strength to the stem, 

 substance to the petals, and perfection in the 

 flower's form. The beauty of a dahlia is not 

 enhanced by size, except in a very few cases. 

 True, size produces a thrill — just as an amazing 

 circus feat will thrill. I have seen men stand 

 speechless before a twelve-inch bloom of Kalif, 

 marvelling at the size and colour. I have never 

 seen a woman do so, but I have never seen a 

 man or woman in my garden who has not been 

 drawn to a bed of Mme. Annette Reynault as by 

 a magnet. The grace and beauty of that in- 

 describable little blossom never fails to give the 

 greatest pleasure. The French know what is 

 beautiful in flowers, yet seldom are their dahlia 

 creations large. 



Some dahlias need to be large to hold their 

 dignity, but no beauty is gained by turning them 

 into monstrosities. This is easily done by 

 throwing the whole strength of the plant into one 

 flower. Take Pierrot and Stredwick's Melody, 



