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— it shelters the flowers in stormy weather, and it 

 protects them from the scorching midday sun ; these 

 objects are attained without depriving the flower of 

 light and air, which are essential in bringing to per- 

 fection the beautiful and intense colours of the dahlia. 

 This protector is made of wicker-work, and consists of 

 an inverted shallow basket, to which is attached a tube 

 made of the same material, through which the dahlia 

 stick is passed, and a peg being inserted between the 

 stick and the tube, it is firmly secured at any height 

 required. It measures 12 inches diameter in the 

 widest part, and is 3i in depth. From its being 

 made of so light a material, and from its simplicity of 

 construction, it is not easily displaced or put out of 

 order, and the flower not being confined within any 

 thing, is less liable to be damaged by coming in contact 

 with any substance that would injure the petals. It 

 requires to be painted to preserve it from decay, and 



