36 



MODES OF PROPAGATION. 



Like other tuberous-rooted plants, the dahlia can be 

 propagated in more modes than can other plants of a 

 different form. 



By Seed. — Varieties only can be obtained in this 

 mode, for no seedling exactly resembles its parent ; 

 though cross-breeding — an intermixture of parents — 

 has great influence in determining the properties or 

 characteristics of the offspring. 



Although the parentage has great influence, yet the 

 influence is not paramount, for, as Mr. Wildman has 

 justly observed, so much depends upon accident, or 

 circumstances over which we have no control, that it 

 is difficult to recommend one in particular as a desir- 

 able parent to breed from. The amateur should be 

 warned, however, that seeds from thin flowers gene- 

 rally, although their style be good, produce seedlings 

 that end in disappointment. "Windsor Rival is an 

 example. Constancy in the parent, Mr. TTildman 

 thinks a matter of little moment, provided defective 

 blooms are immediately removed, and none but 

 the best left for seed. Brightness and clearness of 

 colour are desirable, but no dependence can be 

 placed upon the exact colours that will be pro- 

 duced. If hybridization is resorted to, the best 

 blooms, whether occasional or otherwise, from which 



