93 



place the pots containing the roots in any dry cellar, 

 or other place where they will be secure from frost 

 during the winter. Young plants struck from cut- 

 tings, flower much better in pots than the old roots. 

 {Gard. Chron. 1842, 353.) 



If early blooms are desired, small roots should be 

 selected, as they are always the most forward in vege- 

 tation. 



FORCING. 



The dahlia bears forcing, without detriment to its 

 peculiar beauties, better than most florist's flowers, 

 and apparently because the rapidity of growth being 

 inimical to the production of the prime organs of re- 

 production, by so much are friendly to the develop- 

 ment of this double flower ; those organs being trans- 

 formed into petals. Be this as it may, the dahlia 

 bears forcing, with little prejudice to its beauty ; by 

 potting the tubers in February, and allowing the pots 

 to remain within a frame, or in a cool greenhouse, 

 until June, when they will begin to bloom, and they 

 may be turned out then into the open borders. 



To hasten them still more, and further to prolong 

 their endurance, the following system may be adopted; 

 for, although out of doors, the dahlia yields flowers 



