34 



with due regard to shape and perfect centres. Much 

 can be done by arrangement ; yet we often see stands 

 contain a whole row of flowers of great similarity. 

 At all times place deep circular flowers at the four 

 corners ; and select quality before size. If a bloom 

 is observed to be shaky behind, or inclined to open in 

 the centre, when packing up your box, it may safely be 

 concluded that it will not make one of the number 

 required, by the time it is wanted. Discard it at 

 once, and look for the next best of the same sort. 



If the blooms are intended to travel a long distance, 

 provide plenty of young ones in addition. 



Never, unnecessarily, handle the blooms. It should 

 be remembered that all this pains-taking has been to 

 produce them in the highest state of perfection, to be 

 looked at only. The dead appearance caused by 

 rough usage can never be removed. {Turner on the 

 Dahlia, 6.) 



Mr. Glenny, whose opinions on all points connected 

 with floriculture merit attention, recommends {Gard. 

 Gaz. 137) that for exhibition, dahlia blooms should 

 be cut before too old ; the boxes soaked in water for 

 an hour or two before the blooms are packed in them ; 

 and when taken out, not to be touched, as there will be 

 a brilliant fresh dew upon them. If the stoppers of 

 the tubers be soaked at the same time, they swell all 

 they can, and there is no doing so after they are in 

 the tubes. If stoppers are absent, they may be 



