212 The Amateur's Book of the Dahlia 



America have for many years been permitted to en- 

 ter France, Germany, or Holland,* while similar 

 or modified restrictions have been long enforced 

 by other European countries. We therefore 

 should not complain. 



France, Germany, and Holland, therefore, 

 have no means of securing our fine new dahlias 

 unless done indirectly by means of roots or plants 

 grown in England or some other country which 

 has no embargo. 



It is to be deplored that many of our finest va- 

 rieties are still unknown in England. The war 

 has been largely to blame, and previous to that 

 time the growers had not realized what we have 

 come to learn — ^that tubers planted in alien soil, 

 enduring a strange climate, must be given time to 

 become acclimatized. Many were disappointed 

 the first year, and had not the patience to continue. 



I have heard many an amateur complain of 

 new European varieties, and have always begged 

 them to try another year — ^usually learning 

 afterward that they had much improved. The 

 same thing often happens with western roots 

 in the east and eastern roots in the west; though 

 in many types and colours the soil will make a 

 permanent diflFerence. 



•This statement is made by Mr. Marlatt m the iVafionol GtOfTttphie Matiaine, August, 

 1921. 



