24 



yield 10, of inula 11, 1, of leontodon 12, and of 

 cichorium 1 2% of dahline. (RaspaiVs Organic Chemis- 

 try, 137.) 



CHARACTERISTICS OF EXCELLENCE. 



"We know of no flower more totally altered by cultiva- 

 tion than the dahlia, and not any one only acquainted 

 with that flower in its natural form, reading the cha- 

 racteristics we shall presently record as requisite to 

 be combined for entitling a variety to be classed among 

 first-rate flowers, could conceive that they are applica- 

 ble to its progeny. 



Before proceeding to the detail of those desired 

 characteristics, we must place before our readers some 

 most excellent warnings against the hasty condemna- 

 tion of a variety that may seem not to be permanent 

 in its excellencies. 



The dahlia, it is truly said, is subject to vary so 

 much in different situations and seasons, that great 

 difficulty exists in gaining an accurate knowledge of 

 the merits of each kind, especially of those which have 

 been only seen for one season. The circumstances 

 under which it is grown are also so various, that 

 unless you see the plant, you cannot fairly judge of 

 the merits of the flower. Great attention is requisite, 

 in order, if possible, to find out what particular culture 



