110 The Amateur's Book of the Dahlia 



which are just as well left alone. Disbranching 

 these varieties, however, is all the more im- 

 portant, for the flower stalks will crowd if too 

 many branches are left. 



Dahlias, like people, sometimes get cranky. 

 They will grow almost out of hand, luscious in 

 leaf and stem, refusing to flower; or they stand 

 still and refuse to grow at all, stolidly remaining 

 the same height all summer. The treatment for 

 both is the same — cut them hack. In July they 

 may be cut almost to the ground, leaving only a 

 shoot or two to develop. In some cases the tall 

 plant may be pruned out, like a rose, leaving 

 only a few branches, and these severely dis- 

 budded. Blooming thereby is not delayed, and 

 if the time is short it is the better way. Such 

 plants, however, are liable to look unsightly in the 

 flower garden as their shape has been destroyed. 

 These tall plants need no further encouragement, 

 but burst into bloom almost at once. 



Not so the little one. Many things may have 

 caused his trouble — impoverished soil, sun blight, 

 insect pests, or disease. In any case, however, 

 cut them back. The impoverished soil must be 

 remedied. If the tubers are well formed, ni- 

 trates may be added in the form of hen manure 

 or sheep manure, or even nitrate of soda. If 

 quick action is wanted, use manure water. Place 



