112 



success; and indeed the day is not distant, when the number of varieties 

 will surpass that of either the Hyacinth, the Tulip, the Rose, or the Car- 

 nation, and the numerous Striped, Variegated, and Mottled Dahlias, will 

 then be designated under the various classes of Flakes, Bizarres, &.C, in 

 the same manner as the Carnation; the connoisseurs, without doubt, be- 

 coming quite as fastidious in regard to the formation of the petals, as they 

 now are iu respect to the last named flower. 



We have attached to each variety the height to which it usually attains, 

 and although the height will vary somewhat according to the soil and 

 culture, yet by attention to this point, the various kinds may be always so 

 arranged in the garden, that the dwarfs will not be hidden by the taller 

 varieties ; and when several rows are planted in a range with each other, 

 with a due regard to their height, they will present, as it were, a terrace of 

 flowers. 



Purchasers will be furnished with a printed treatise on the requisite cul- 

 ture, containing the best rules, as practised by intelligent cultivators in 

 Europe and elsewhere. 



A discount will be made to those who purchase largely, and to Nurse- 

 ries and other venders. To those who order a dozen plants or more, an 

 abatement of 25 per cent, will be made from the stated prices, which it will 

 be perceived are much lower than usually charged, the great and increas- 

 ing stock enabling us to offer them on these favourable terms, and also te 

 select superior roots. The rate3 for assortments of Dahlias will be found 

 at the end of the Catalogue. 



It seems scarcely necessary here to add, that the deceptive practice of 

 ingrafting the double varieties on roots of the single kinds, is never prac- 

 tised by us. 



Where the selection is left to us, such an assortment will be selected as 

 will form a pleasing combination of colour, form, height, &x. When 

 packed dry, which can be done from October to May, they occupy so little 

 space, that a great number may be comprised i n a small compaEe, and they 

 can be thus safely transported to any distance. During the residue of the 

 year they can be transported in pots, or by enveloping the roota in moss, 

 and packing them properly in accordance with the distance, &c. 



Wintering- Dahlias. — Our practice is exceedingly simple. As soon as 

 the frost has killed the tops, we cut them off, and take up the roots, and dry 

 them for 2 or 3 days in the sun, after which we place them on the shelves in a 

 cellar, perfectly dry and free from frost, where they remain till the period for 

 spring planting. xMoisture is destructive to them, and in a damp cellar or 

 room they are very liable to rot ; but in a dry one not a single root will be 

 injured, if it is kept free from frost. 



The following method to preserve Dahlias through the winter, is some- 

 times adopted in Denmark. When the foliage and flowers of the plant 

 have been destroyed in October, the stalks are cut down about a foot from 

 the ground, and the earth drawn up around with a hoe. They stand thus 

 until the beginning of November, (unless the cold should be so severe as 

 to endanger the roots,) that the tubers may become as ripe as possible; 

 they are then dug up and placed in a trench in the garden, with earth be- 

 tween them, and a layer of earth over them. A covering of sea-weed, 

 horse manure or leaves, is then thrown over, sufficient to exclude the frost. 

 Here they remain until the time of planting in spring. Dahlias thus win- 

 tered grow much stronger than those kept in the common manner. It is 

 necessary that a dry spot be selected for their habitation, 



