82 



Although shading moderately and judiciously is 

 very essential to enable the flower to attain and to 

 prolong its most perfect beauty, yet the amateur 

 often practises it most mistakingly. By being too 

 anxious he gives himself extra trouble, and at the 

 same time spoils the blooms he so much wishes to 

 preserve, by shading them too long before they are 

 wanted ; shading out of character many of the light 

 flowers, and making all tender, and less able to bear 

 a journey, or exposure when put up for competition. 

 It is requisite to shade some light flowers, and some 

 of the yellows, earlier than others, in order to produce 

 them clear and distinct : when, on the other hand, 

 those with slight tips, or marking, must be deferred ; 

 otherwise, the face of the bloom would be without its 

 characteristic feature, and wear an indistinct blush, 

 instead of the attractive tip or edge. 



The time required for shading before a given day 

 when the blooms are wanted, must, in a great mea- 

 sure, depend on the weather. Four or five days will 

 be sufficient for an early show, but, as the season 

 advances, extend the time ; and secure the buds or 

 young blooms likely to be good, from friction against 

 the neighbouring blooms and foliage, by tying them 

 to stakes, or parts of the plant. (Turner on the 

 Dahlia } 4.) 



The basket-shade, of which the accompanying 

 sketch is a representation, effects all that is necessary 



